Blessed by the Stars (Thranduil X OC Story)

Chapter 15: The Duel

Tauriel looked sidelong at General Telcontar as she escorted her down to the training grounds. She was the most beautiful elleth she had ever seen. Prettier than even the Lady Galadriel...or so she imagined. Tauriel had never actually seen the Lady Galadriel, she had only heard stories.

General Telcontar smirked , "If you have questions, feel free to ask them Tauriel."

Tauriel blushed in embarrassment at being caught staring. But her natural curiosity helped her quickly overcome it.

"How did you become a General? How old are you? What's it like outside of Mirkwood? Did you fight Sauron? How powerful is your magic? Are you more beautiful than the Lady Galadriel? Can you..."

"Whoa, whoa ,whoa" Caerwyn interjected , laughter dancing in her eyes. "Tauriel, typically it is customary for one to wait for a response before asking another question."

"Sorry, I'm only a hundred, I'm still trying to learn all the customs and etiquette."

Caerwyn couldn't help but laugh " You are seventy years older than me."

Tauriel stopped in her tracks, "But..your so mature and beautiful...how..."

"I'm immortal but I'm not a whole blooded elf, so I reached maturity much quicker than an elf and then just stopped aging. As for the answer to all your other questions, I don't know."

Tauriel tilted her head , then nodded like she had come to a decision. " I've decided you're gonna be my friend."

Caerwyn couldn't help but throw her head back in laughter, "Very well, Tauriel , I shall like to be your friend."

By this point, they had reached the training grounds, Tauriel dragged Caerwyn over to one of the out buildings "Come on, we have to go visit the quartermaster so you can get some training gear."

Soon Caerwyn found herself dressed in a sentinel's uniform. Brown breeches, brown boots and a fitted green tunic. She found the outfit to be quite comfortable.

Out to the training grounds ,Tauriel's constant chatter was her companion. She found herself quickly fond of the young elf.

Tauriel tossed her a wooden training sword. "Let's spar, I'm warning you I'm the best of the novices though."

Caerwyn laughed ,twirling the sword easily in her hand. "Then I should warn you I think I'm quite deadly."

Tauriel laughed crouching into a fighting position, sword at the ready. "You only think you're deadly? Are you ready to lose?"

A spark danced in Caerwyn's eye at the challenge. "Lets begin."

Tauriel nodded in agreement and the next thing she knew she was lying flat on her back, staring up at Caerwyn who had a very wicked grin on her face. Tauriel never even saw her move.

They both started when they heard a clap nearby , turning they saw the Elvenking striding towards them. Swords in hand. Tauriel quickly scrambled to her feet and bowed smartly. "My King."

The Elvenking looked at her with an practiced expression but his eyes twinkled with amusement. "Do you know what your mistake was Tauriel?"

"Yes My King, I underestimated my opponent."

"Good , now run along and find Captain Meldiron."

Tauriel bowed again and dashed away.

The Elvenking tossed two swords at Caerwyn, she caught them easily. Her fingers flexed comfortably in the familiar hilts. These were her swords. A smile slowly spread across her face as she went through a few exercises. Her body remembering the motions ,a sense of joy rushed through her.

The Elvenking stared at her in awe. Her movements so graceful yet lethal. He found himself falling further for her. It was in this moment a plot entered his mind.

"General Telcontar if I may?"

She stopped her motions and turned toward him. He had to remind himself to breathe, for she had the ability to take his breath away.

"Yes your majesty?"

"I propose a duel, my skills against yours, the loser must grant the winner a wish."

Caerwyn rolled her shoulders a wicked grin spread across her face "I accept your challenge."

The Elvenking smiled back at her. Throwing off his long flowing robe. He stood before her in fitted tunic and breeches. In one fluid motion he drew his sword and charged at her.

Caerwyn blocked but then The Elvenking rained strike upon strike upon her. He was easily the most skilled swordsman she had ever faced. But then again he was the only swordsman she had memory of facing.
Parry, slash. The twirled around each other in a dance of skill. Till Caerwyn's arms gave out, she stumbled falling to her knees. Looking up she saw the Elvenking's sword pressed to her neck and a triumphant smile sparkling in his eyes.

Caerwyn bowed her head. "Very well your Majesty, what do you wish from me?"

"A Kiss."

.........

A/N: Yes I know I'm evil for ending the chapter like that. But Caerwyn's and Thranduil's first kiss deserves its own chapter. So that's what I'm gonna do. I've already got it mapped out so I should have it up by the end of the week, so you won't have to wait long.

As for Tauriel, I really wanted her to make an appearance in the story but she would have to be really young. I think in elvish terms she is about mid - late teens , and I imagined her inquisitive nature to be really strongly highlighted till she gets more maturity.