The Return

Orc Camp

     {}«Legolas' POV»{}

My horse, Rain, points her ears in the direction of the door of the stables. She tosses her head back and utters a neigh as Thaladir appears in the doorway with his horse, Aglar, following close behind him.

"Are you ready?" Thaladir asks me.

I strap the last bag to Rain's back and smooth out the blanket on her back, before jumping on her. Thaladir follows suit and we head out. We do not need reins or saddles as they will bear us wherever we need to go without them.

We start out only to be stopped by a voice coming from behind us. I turn to see it's Elhael; she is the head healer of my adar's court and has always treated me with genuine kindness. "Legolas! Thaladir!" she calls again and runs up to us.

"Elhael is something wrong?" I ask, halting Rain.

She laughs, "No, I only wanted to give you this." She pulls a bag out of the basket she carries. "It's just a little something for the road. I know how much you both like honey glazed rolls."

"Hannon le," I say with a smile, leaning down to take the bag and softly plant a soft kiss on her cheek. "We will be back within a few weeks."

"Stay out of trouble, both of you!" She calls as we ride out.

The day passes swiftly and evening soon comes upon us. As the moon rises, we stop for the night for a few hours and then as the sun peeks over the horizon, we start out again. Several days pass by us in this manner.

"We should hopefully be there within a fortnight," I comment one evening as I take off the bag off Rain's back and turn her loose. Thaladir does the same to Aglar. They won't wander far and will come at our call.

"You are distracted mellon," Thaladir says with a slight smile.

I look at him slightly confused, "Why do you say that?"

"Because I already said when we would be there," he says, dumping his bag on the ground.

I think back, as I start to gather wood for a fire, but I cannot recall him saying anything.

"What is on you mind?" he finally asks after we had eaten.

"Nothing. I'm fine," I answer but Thaladir is not convinced.

He picks up a stick and feeds it to the fire, "It would have anything to do with the letter lord Aragorn sent you would it?"

I stare at him in disbelief. How did he know?

"You really shouldn't mutter to yourself mellon nin," he says with a smile, answering the question in my mind. "It could get you into serious trouble in the future."

I sigh and lay my bed roll out on the ground, "Something doesn't feel right about it."

"Well, it is to late to turn back now," he says, spreading out his own bed roll. "Not to mention, he would have said if something were amiss."

"You're probably right," I sigh, stretching out on the ground. Maybe I am over thinking it. Still, I can't shake this uneasy feeling that has settled in me.

The sun sets and the timid stars show themselves. We decide once again against a fire. Thaladir eventually dozes off but I can't rest so I begin to pace. Why did Aragorn ask me to meet him if he was coming anyway? And why did he not say anything to my adar?

The sound of shouting arouses me from my thoughts and I turn in the direction of the sound. I see nothing but the scattered trees and some brush. I start to scan the area. Movement catches my eye. I move towards my bow and shake Thaladir at the same time. He sits up,