An arrow.
Not the pleasantest thing to see before you die.
But a job is a job, and an enemy bred for evil is an enemy bred for evil, and therefore must be destroyed.
That's what happened to the orc on the ground in front of me.
I sighed, and slung my bow over my shoulder. I walked away calmly. It was over. The last marauding orc was slain, and Mirkwood was once again free of the vermin.
"Eriathwen!"
I turned to see someone waiting for me farther up the path. I hastened my stride to meet him, and bowed with a hand on my heart to show submission and respect as I reached him.
"My lord Legolas," I greeted him.
"Eriathwen. You fight very bravely. I might give you a promotion soon," he replied, smiling.
I bowed again to hide my excitement. A promotion! From a simple guard to a captain of scouts--it had always been my secret wish.
"Thank you, my lord," I said. "I will try very hard to serve as best I may."
He bestowed a smile on me. This only served to heighten my excitement. Why, if he was pleased with me I might even receive official mention!
"Come, Eriathwen," he said. "We must return to the palace."
I gave a nod of assent and followed.
Later that night I was creeping around the halls. King Thranduil was hosting a banquet for some of his lords, and with all my heart I wished I was one of them. The sight of the food loaded on the long tables made my stomach growl, even though I had already eaten.
Suddenly I caught some of their conversation.
"...and she jumped down right in the middle of the orcs, fighting like a panther. They never saw it coming."
It was Prince Legolas speaking. He kept telling his story, and the lords were eagerly drinking it in, when suddenly I realized that they were talking about
me!
I went scarlet to the roots of my hair, then just as quickly became pale. This was my official mention! I listened attentively and watched the king from my hiding place behind a large pillar. He was listening carefully too--I could tell, even though he was staring at his wine as he swirled it around in his glass.
"Such a fighter deserves a better position," I heard him say when Legolas had finished. My heart leaped high with hope. Could his next sentence contain my promotion?
"Call her in here," Thranduil said suddenly, and a servant at his elbow bowed and walked away.
I realized that the servant would come looking for me in the guardrooms (which is where I
should've been), so I slipped out of the hall. As soon as I could, however, I started running, so as to get there ahead of the servant.
I just barely made it. He met me right by the entrance to the guardrooms.
Met me! It was more like I crashed into
him as I rounded the corner.
"The king wishes to speak with you," he said, cool as ever in spite of our near-collision.
I followed him back, panting, with my hopes rising higher every second. Just one word from the king and I could be a Scout! I was so excited.
The servant left me at the door, and I walked in, fighting down my tumultuous emotions. I don't know how I got down the room, but somehow I did, for I found myself standing at the opposite end of the table from the king, bowing with the Guards' Salute.
"Eriathwen," Thranduil said, with his most gracious tone. "I have heard positive reports of you from my son. I am
very pleased with you."
I was speechless and tense from excitement, but I bowed again and managed to say something along the lines of "serving my king is my honor and privilege".
"Such diligent and unrelenting patriotism deserves a fitting reward. If you continue your admirable deeds, you might just receive a promotion to Scout Captain in a year's time."
A
year! I was crushed instantly. I know I must've gone white, for the king looked at me with a questioning air.
"Thank you, my lord," I heard myself say. "I am honored." Then I bowed once more, turned, and walked out. I strode numbly past the barracks, went outside to the small pond near the palace, sat down--and burst into tears.
....a YEAR!
It was all hopeless. I had been striving toward my goal for
three years already. My hope, my
dream, had been held tantalizingly in front of me, so
excruciatingly close--and then withdrawn out of my reach. I was heartbroken.
I had been sitting for some time when I sensed someone behind me. I stood, wiping my tears, and turned to face Legolas.
I was ashamed, and hung my head down before him. It is considered beneath the dignity of the Elves to cry over petty trifles. But he didn't look condescendingly at me.
"I understand how much that promotion meant to you," he said. "I am sorry."
I bit my lip. If he continued on like this I was sure to start sobbing again.
"But you should not despair," he continued on. "This setback will only make you stronger. Think: I know you deserve that promotion
now--there is no doubt about that. But in a year from now, you will have even
more deeds to show for yourself. So do not despair!"
He lifted my chin and gave me an encouraging smile.
"Come,
mellon," he said.
Mellon. Friend. The Prince of the Woodland Realm had called me
friend! I was instantly hopeful again.
"Thank you, my lord Legolas," I said, and a small smile crept over my face.
As I followed him back to the palace, I thought to myself,
Maybe he's right. There is hope after all.
And tomorrow was another day.
~~~
AND THERE YOU HAVE IT FOLKS
THE FIRST OF THE TALES FROM MIRKWOOD
YIPE
I HOPE YOU LIKE IT!!!
Tell me your thoughts ma peeps!!! I want to hear all of your real, true, honest thoughts on this new project of mine. Does it need improvement, or is it completely perfect already (HA)? Your opinions help!
