Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

The Last Wood Elf	By : Mel99Moe Category: +Third Age > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 4551 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any characters or places. No money is being made from this story.

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
- 13
Chapter 12 - The Foaling

It had been several years, since Legolas came to Rohan. He was now sixteen, and maturing just as quickly as human boys were at his age. During that time, he had begun rigorous training, learning how to accurately use each type of weapon the army had to offer. Still, his talents lay with his bow and long knives, and he worked harder at that than any other form of weaponry. He had finished his training and was now joining the ranks of city guard. Two years as a guard in Edoras, and then he would join the army, something he very much looked forward to.

Having finished his two year requirements, and pursuing further achievements, Eomer was joining the army this year. He had recently celebrated his eighteenth birthday, which meant he would earn a place with the Rohirric riders in the late spring, something he was very excited about since his cousin was already a soldier. Of course, no less was expected of him. He was, after all, nephew of the King and son of a Captain in the Westfold. Eomer was born a leader, and he looked forward to the day he would stand beside Théodred as a leader of the army.

Théodred was now twenty, and entering into his second year in the army as a border guard. His father had made sure the prince was given no special advantages because of his royal standing. Every soldier had to prove their worth, and work their way honestly through the ranks. Théodred started as a city guard like all the rest, and after serving his duty within the city, he was sent out with the seasoned warriors to patrol the border. He had been assigned to a troop east of the River Snowbourn. This year he would venture farther beyond, to the outer borders where danger lurked. Recent days had proven an increase in small attacks and scuffles with Dunlendings. For now though, he was on reprieve until called upon to serve with his new troop. Just returning to Edoras, the first thing he did upon his arrival was visit with his cousin and his elf friend. Today they happened to be at the practice field. They had been dueling, but now Legolas was taking some time spending a few arrows.

Théodred spotted Eomer and waved. They two young men clasped arms, but weren’t content with just proper greeting, and grasped onto each other in a brotherly hug, which ended with the punching of shoulders.

Eomer admired and looked up to his older cousin. They were as close as brothers, and missed each other’s company when they were apart. “Théodred, a soldier’s life has surely agreed with you. How long has it been? You look as though you’ve aged ten years.”

“And you still look as naïve as a pup,” Théodred jested, returning the banter, “Are you sure they’ve promoted you to border patrol and not kitchen duty?”

“I think you should be worried, cousin, for I may just surpass you in the ranks, and then you’ll be answering to me some day,” Eomer laughed.

Théodred gave him a solid punch in the chest, knocking Eomer back and making him stumble, “Not likely, pup.” Their laughs subsided, and Théodred looked past Eomer to the field, “Where’s Legolas?”

Eomer put a hand to his hip, rolled his eyes, and pointed to the right side of the practice area, “He’s over there shooting arrows. You might have known if you looked for the crowd of girls standing at the edge of the archery field. You have been gone for some time, haven’t you?”

Théodred looked across the way and saw the elf, bow raised, arrow notched, and standing still as a statue. And there, to the side, was the group of girls that Eomer mentioned, some young and giggling behind their hand-covered mouths, some older and just budding into womanhood, smiling as they watched. All of them had stars in their eyes as they watched the elf shoot until his quiver was almost empty, and the target’s center ring was filled with arrows. Some of the girls clapped, but Legolas paid them no mind. Théodred shook his head and crossed his arms, “How does he ignore that?” he said nodding toward the girls, “and why aren’t I the one with the admirers?”

Eomer laughed and clasped his cousin’s shoulder, “Because you are not as fair and comely as he is.”

“But I’m a prince and a soldier in the army,” Théodred complained, “laying my life on the line for their safety. Should they know how many enemies I’ve slain, they might forget about the elf and his fancy bow work.”

Eomer shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know, Théodred, the maidens all want the elf. He has a certain charisma that men just don’t possess. He is charming and polite, not a brute as some of the women call us.”

“A brute?” Théodred said surprised, “Who has called you a brute?”

In fact, a certain girl that Eomer fancied had called him the very thing when he tried to gain her attention one day. Unfortunately, he thought a few mugs of ale would help build his courage to speak to her. He ended up being overconfident, and his suggestions left the girl shocked and disgusted.

“Never mind,” Eomer answered, hoping Théodred would not pursue the subject.

Théodred shook his head as he watched Legolas take his final shot, hitting the target dead center between all the other arrows. There was another outburst of applause. Legolas regarded the group of ten or so girls with a shy smile. He started towards the target to retrieve his arrows, but was interrupted when Eomer called out to him. He turned and saw his two best friends standing to the edge of the practice field. He waved and hurried over to them, ignoring the girls, some who now took to calling out to him.

“Look at him,” Théodred protested again, “He doesn’t even realize the power he has. Is he blind and deaf?”

Eomer glanced at the target, “Well, definitely not blind with aim like that.”

Legolas approached his friends, smiling wide and anxious to see them, especially Théodred. It had been a long time since he’d seen the prince, “I hadn’t known you were back from duty or I would have met you at the gate. It’s good to see you, Théodred.” They grasped arms and shared a brotherly welcome.

Théodred nodded in the direction of the maidens, who were now beginning to disburse, since Legolas was finished for the day, “That was some fine shooting, even with the distraction off to the side of the field.”

Legolas turned to see what he was referring to, “Oh, the girls?” he blushed, “Actually, I don’t mind them watching. Kular taught me early on not to let anything hinder my awareness. They make for good practice.”

“I’m sure they do,” Théodred mumbled, “but not for archery.” He cleared his throat, and threw an aggravated glance at Eomer, but his younger cousin was not paying attention. One of the girls from the group caught Eomer’s eye, and he watched after her as she left the field. The girl, however, was stealing glances at Legolas and hadn’t noticed Eomer. Théodred pushed his cousin in the arm, making him wince unexpectedly.

“What was that for?” Eomer said irritated.

Théodred ignored his cousin, and poked Legolas in the chest with his finger, “You see there, that is what I’m talking about. The girls ignore us, but they watch and follow your every move, and you do nothing. Do you not know what kind of control you could have? Any one of them would lie at your feet and . . . Well, I don’t know about elves, but around here, at sixteen you are considered a man, and most have started to join in the activities that men enjoy doing.”

Legolas’ eyebrows creased, and he cocked his head to the side as he tried to understand what Théodred was talking about. The prince shook his head, clearly annoyed with his friend, “Forget it. You’ve probably never even kissed a girl, let alone considered taking the next step.” Théodred turned to leave, but Legolas grabbed his arm to stop him. It seemed as though Théodred was challenging him, and Legolas was not one to pass up an opportunity.

“Just so you know, I have kissed a girl, and probably sooner than you might have,” he prompted.

Théodred crossed his arms, and cocked an eyebrow, ignoring Legolas’ badgering, while he waited for an explanation.

“It was with a Woodsmen’s daughter,” Legolas continued sheepishly.

Théodred glared through narrowed eyes, not sure whether to believe the elf or not, “A quick peck on the cheek does not count.”

“It was more than the cheek,” Legolas protested.

Eomer stepped forward and eyed the elf, “Was it with parted lips?”

“Did she slip you her tongue?” Théodred added.

Legolas didn’t like their provoking tone and became angry, “I don’t have to tell you anything. It is none of your business.”

Théodred and Eomer laughed at Legolas’ expense, “There was probably no girl. I bet it was an old village woman kissing him on the cheek,” Théodred said. Eomer continued laughing.

Finally, Legolas could take no more humiliation, “Her name was Katala, and she was the first friend I had after arriving at the village. She . . .” He paused as he remembered his past, “She gave me a flower the day … the day Elhadron was buried. That was the first time she spoke to me. She was one of the few who understood my grief. We became friends after that and grew closer.” Legolas lifted his head and squared his shoulders as he glared at his friends, “And yes, we kissed … on the lips … parted lips … and tongue if you must know. And I might have gotten to know other things about her had we not been caught watching the shape shifting ceremony of the Beornings’.” There, Legolas thought, that should divert their attention away from his romantic involvements, if that’s what it could be called.

Théodred and Eomer abruptly ceased their laughing, and their mouths hung open. Suddenly, they did not care about Legolas’ first kiss. They closed the distance between them as if they called some secret meeting, “You saw the bear-men shift form?” Eomer asked first.

Legolas nodded, “One of the older boys from the village dared us to sneak out to the courtyard. We had to do it or face endless harassment from him and the others. We found a place to hide, and waited until the moon was at his highest. It was actually quite a frightening thing to witness, and as it happened, Katala began to panic. I did the only thing I could think of that would keep her from darting off and exposing us. I kissed her.”

Legolas paused and watched his friend’s faces wash over with astonishment. He felt they might not believe him, so he continued, “That night was not our first kiss either. We’d kissed once before, though it was the first time I felt her tongue in my mouth.” His words trailed off to a mumble as he finished speaking.

Théodred closed his eyes and shook his head vigorously, “Wait a moment, back to the Beornings. So you actually watched them change from men to bears?”

“I have already told you that,” Legolas complained, “I thought you wanted to know if I ever kissed a girl.”

“Yes … oh yes … sure,” Théodred stuttered, “but that was until you said you saw the ceremony. No one has ever witnessed such an event.”

“We have only heard tales of it,” Eomer chimed in, “I’ve always been hesitant to believe it though.”

“Do you know how lucky you are?” said Théodred amazed.

“We weren’t that lucky. We were almost mauled by one of them after they turned into bear form. Grimbeorn himself saved us from that terrible fate,” Legolas answered. It was a night that he would never forget, standing on the verge of death, or at least that’s what he thought at the time.

Eomer roughly threw an arm around Legolas’ shoulder, “You’ve been trapped in a cave by a giant spider, stalked by a warg, attacked by orcs, and now we learn you have seen the changeling ceremony of the Beornings. Either you have seen more than most men in Rohan, or you are full of horseshit. Either way, I say we make our way back to town, change out of these uniforms, and meet at the mead hall later. I want to hear more of this story, but over a glass of ale.”

Théodred smiled wide, “I could not agree more.”

Legolas looked worriedly at them, “I’m not sure they will let me into the tavern yet.” During the day, the hall was a place where anyone could go for a hot meal and conversation, but later in the evening, it was reserved for rowdy men, drinking, and provocative women who didn’t mind being seen amongst the lot of them.

“You are a city guard now, Legolas, and that constitutes you as a man … er … well, an adult anyways,” Eomer told him.

Legolas ignored the reference, and was just glad they were not harassing him about his first kiss anymore, “Let’s go then.”

* * *

The three friends sat at their table in the mead hall, listening to Legolas’ detailed account of the night he saw the Beornings. Eventually, and after a few mugs of ale, the talk led back to Katala and his first kiss. Now with the warm drink filling their bellies, and feeling slightly inebriated, the conversation took a more personal turn.

“We need to find you a girl, Legolas,” Théodred started, “and not just any girl, because obviously you can have your pick.”

“Why are you always talking about this?” Legolas protested.

Eomer decided it was his turn to annoy Legolas, “Because if we don’t intervene, you will never get laid.” He wiggled his eyebrows up and down, and elbowed the elf in the ribs.

“Well, if I were interested in any of those girls on the sidelines, don’t you think I would have done so by now?” Legolas pushed Eomer away from him, almost spilling his mug.

Théodred crossed is arms, laid them on the table, and leaned in close to Legolas, “So are you saying there is someone that holds your interest after all?”

Legolas glared at his friends, hoping they would drop the subject, but he knew better. Once they started harassing him, they did not give up until they got the information they sought. He would have to confess his secret. The corner of his mouth upturned as he turned his eyes down towards his mug, “If you must know, and knowing the two of you, you will hound me to no end . . . yes, there is someone like that which you speak.”

Eomer smiled wide and sat back in his chair. He looked at Théodred, who looked defeated, and held a hand out to the prince, palm up. Without a word, Théodred reached into his pocket and retrieved a silver coin, pushing it roughly into Eomer’s hand. Eomer then flipped the coin in the air, caught it and stuffed it into his shirt pocket. Legolas watched the exchange with confusion until it finally dawned on him just what was taking place.

“You used me in a wager? You have both sunk to a new low,” said Legolas disappointedly.

“I merely pointed out the fact that if you did not give those girls a second, or even a first look, then there must be someone who captured your attention,” Eomer boasted, as he was the winner of the bet.

Legolas turned to Théodred, “And what was your speculation?”

“You don’t want to know,” the prince mumbled, “Just tell me this love interest of yours is a girl.”

Legolas furrowed his dark brows, “Of course it is. Who else would it be?” He watched Théodred turn crimson. Suddenly, it dawned on the elf just what his friend was suggesting, “Oh for Bema’s sake, Théo … why would you think that?”

“Well, you know … there are stories about the elves, and their leniency with their preferences … not … always … a female.” When Legolas remained silent and glared at him, murderously, Théodred became defensive and sat up, “You made me wonder, the way you ignored all those maidens who sit there pining over you, and not once gave them any notice. What was I supposed to think?”

Legolas grabbed his mug, and on one breath, gulped down what was left of his drink. He slammed the mug down, and turned just in time to see a servant pass by carrying three mugs in each hand. He reached out and took one, surprising her, “Here, let me help lessen your load, my lady.”

She gave him a questioning glance, noticed the company he kept, shook her head, and went about her business. Finally, Legolas turned back to Théodred, “I assure you, my friend, not once have I looked at you or any man and felt my cock twitch.”

Eomer burst out laughing, pulled his winnings from his pocket, raised it in the air, and called to another passing servant. “Bring us another round. This one is on me.” When he had collected himself, he regarded Legolas once more, “So who is she? You might as well tell us or we’ll beat it out of you.”

Legolas was silent a moment, and then a small smile appeared, “Fine then, her name is Lúta. She works in the stables, feeding the horses, and taking care of the pregnant mares.”

Lúta was a Rohirric girl, only a few months older than Legolas. She had reddish blond hair, long and wavy, usually tied back with a leather strap. There was always one piece that would not stay in place, and it usually hung down in her eyes. Legolas had seen her fuss with it many times, wishing he could be the one to push it gently out of her way. She had an oval face, tanned complexion like most Rohirric people, and freckles sprinkled over the bridge of her nose and tops of her cheeks. Her eyes were green like two peridot gems, compassionate, and always dancing when she smiled. Legolas had watched her many times, but never approached her. She was very busy with her work, and he did not want to impose.

Théodred thought a moment, but Eomer who knew of the girl, “She is the daughter of a blacksmith. Pretty thing too, but it’s her father that will be giving you trouble. He watches over her as a dwarf guards his treasure.”

“I have seen this,” Legolas admitted, “I hung around the stables one day, waiting for her to finish her chores so I could talk to her, maybe walk her home. All I had time to do was exchange a glance and a smile with her. Lúta’s father was right there waiting for her. Perhaps I’ve made a mistake in wanting to pursue her.”

Théodred gave his friend a hearty slap on the back, “The heart wants what the hearts wants, Legolas.”

“That may be true, but neither do I want to be strung up by my ballocks,” Legolas answered, cringing at the thought.

“Well then, leave it up to Théo and me. We’ll find a way to get you alone with her,” Eomer boasted.

Legolas rolled his eyes, “That’s what I was afraid of. Just forget I ever said anything.” That was very likely never to happen.

The serving maid, an older woman, short and round, set their full mugs on the table. She put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes, “That’s all ya’s can have, ye wee lads, especially you,” she complained and pointed at Legolas, “I won’t be responsible for turning the lot of ye into lushes or the King will string me up by me apron.” With that said, she collected the coins and wobbled off to tend to the older patrons who she was sure could handle their drink. The boys were not worried though. They would just charm one of the younger women, and still get their fill for the evening.

As they sat at their table, listening to stories of Théodred’s latest accounts of his duty at the borders, he mentioned seeing Grima, a man of Rohan, a bit odd but a loyal servant of King Théoden. Several years ago, he had volunteered to run an errand for the King, but hadn’t returned when he was expected. Théoden feared the worst had happened. Scouts were sent out to look for him, but without result. He seemed to have vanished altogether. All of this had happened before Legolas came to Rohan, and his friends explained the situation.

“When my captain approached Grima with concern, he said it was no one’s business except for the King,” Théodred continued, “But I’ll tell you, and mark my words, there is something different about Grima now. He’s always been rather aloof and eccentric, but now there seems to be something dark about him.”

“I’d give my right eye to know where he had been when he went missing,” Eomer added.

The three friends finished out the night, and after they had their fill, they headed out for home. As they passed the stables, they noticed a lot of commotion. The lanterns were lit, and stable hands ran in and out. Legolas stopped one of them and inquired, “What is happening?”

“One of the mares gives birth. She has been in labor for quite some time now and she weakens. Her foal is in distress,” the young man informed them.

Legolas took off for the stable doors, leaving his friends behind. “Legolas, what are you doing?” Eomer yelled after him.

“I want to see if I can help,” he answered and disappeared inside.

The horse was in the third stall on the right. People gathered around inside and outside of the confined space. Legolas pushed his way through, and instantly saw Lúta giving commands to the others. The mare was being uncooperative stomping her feet and thrashing her head from side to side, as if to chase everyone away. Lúta was covering her arm with some kind of lubricant. Legolas noticed her dress only had one sleeve. She must have torn the other off. Loose threads hung down about her shoulders. Her red hair was tied back, but some tendrils had come loose, and hung irritatingly in her face, sticking to her sweat sodden brow. She looked tired, which was why Legolas made his way into the stall.

“Can I be of any help?” he asked, unaware that this was the first time he was speaking to her after watching her move about the city for so long.

Lúta looked him up and down, “Have you ever participated in a foaling before?”

“No, but—”

Lúta rolled her eyes and waved him back. She had no time for this and ignored the elf, “I need towels, and someone heat another bucket of water,” she yelled to the closest stable hand.

Legolas looked around the stall, then to the distressed mare, “There are too many people around her, and she is irritated.”

“I need these people. I cannot leave her,” Lúta insisted, “And you are just one more added to the chaos, so I suggest you leave, and let me do my job.” As she finished reprimanding Legolas, she slid her arm into the horse and began feeling around, “Damnit! The head is turned.”

At that exact moment, the mare’s legs began to wobble, and she seemed as though she would lie down. The poor animal barely had enough strength left. Legolas jumped to the front of the horse, pushing two young boys out of the way.

“Hey, what are you doing? I need them to help keep her from going down,” Lúta said sharply.

Legolas ignored her, and took hold of the horses halter. He began speaking in Sindarin, the words rolling from his lips like a well-rehearsed tune. The mare seemed to calm, and her movements stilled. Lúta listened as the elf’s voice went high and then slowly fell deeper. It was a very comforting sound, even if she did not understand what he was saying, and it was actually working. She felt the mare’s inner muscles relax, and was able to reach her arm in enough until she could feel the foal’s cheek.

“Whatever you are saying, keep it up. It’s working. I feel the head. Now it’s just a … matter of … moving … it.” As she spoke, she coaxed the foal’s head forward. Instantly the mare began pushing. Lúta removed her arm and looked around the stall. “Legolas, hand me that towel over there.”

Legolas jumped to her aid, handing her the towel. He watched as she carefully placed it over two tiny hooves protruding from the mare. Lúta pulled slowly and soon a nose appeared, “That’s it. That’s right. Come on little one,” she cooed.

Suddenly, King Théoden came around the corner of the stall. At that exact moment, the mare gave one final push, and out came the foal to rest in the clean hay. It lay motionless and everyone held their breaths as they watched. The mare was exhausted, but Legolas knew only she could stimulate the foal. He took her by the harness, and once again spoke to her in elvish. He seemed only to say it once, and the mare nodded her head a few times before turning around and nudging the foal. After a few tense moments, the tiny new life began moving his legs. There was a unison release of air as everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Lúta patted the mare on her side, “You did it. You are such a good mother.”

When the danger had passed, Théoden approached Lúta, “What happened here and why wasn’t I informed earlier?”

“I am sorry, Sire, but there was no time. The foal’s head was turned, and in the rush to aid him, I forgot to send a messenger to warn you,” She bowed her head when she was done.

Théoden then turned to Legolas, “Théodred and Eomer told me something was happening, and that you stopped to help. That was very noble of you.”

“I have never seen a foaling before, but I have been around horses long enough to know when they are stressed,” Legolas answered.

“He was very helpful, Sire,” Lúta added, “It was quite amazing actually.” She smiled shyly towards Legolas.

Théoden turned his weathered face towards the elf, “Legolas has always been very helpful.”

Their attention was diverted to the foal as it tried to sit up, “How long before he can walk?” Legolas asked.

“It usually takes four to six hours. It may be longer for this little one, since the birth was complicated,” Lúta answered.

Legolas walked over to the mare, and brushed his hand down her side, once again speaking in elvish. As he did, the tiny foal lifted its head, as if to listen to the elf’s soothing flow of words. Legolas noticed and smiled. The mare snorted and pushed him towards her baby. He laughed and motioned towards Lúta, “I think she wants me to check her foal. Will you take a look? She will be much more relaxed once I can tell her all is well.”

Lúta looked at him strangely, “You talk to horses?”

“I am an elf. I can talk to the trees if I so will it.” A mischievous smiled crossed his lips.

Lúta knelt down next to the foal while Legolas joined her. The little horse seemed very interested in the elf, “He is breathing just fine. I think if we give him time to bond with his mother, he will—”

Suddenly, the foal pulled his legs beneath his body, and began struggling to stand, “I thought you said it would take several hours,” Legolas said.

“Well, yes, that is the normal amount of time,” Lúta answered.

Théoden looked on in amazement, “Legolas, move behind him where he cannot see you.”

Legolas did what he was told and shockingly, the foal started to try standing again. When the elf went back in front of the little horse, he relaxed. Théoden laughed to himself, “It seems he has already developed a liking for you.” The King went to Legolas, and laid a comforting hand on his shoulder, “Did you know that a first year soldier is present at the foaling of his warhorse?”

“Yes, Théodred shared his own experience with me,” Legolas answered.

“And while the soldier carries out his first orders as a guard in Edoras, he helps raise his foal, forming a strong bond. This is an important stage for any soldier,” Théoden continued, “A horse and his rider will never separate lest death take them.” Théoden motioned to the tiny newborn, “I can honestly say I have never seen a bond happen within the first moments of birth. Legolas, there is no doubt in my mind that this is to be your horse.”

“But I am not a—”

Théoden looked Legolas in his bright eyes, stopping him mid-sentence, “When the Woodsmen brought you to Edoras, I must admit I was a bit skeptical as to whether or not I could take another into my house, let alone an elf. But I have watched you grow and mature alongside my own son and Eomer. The three of you have grown so close over the years. You each possess an extraordinary skill, but together you have an ability that is not to be underestimated. I guess what I am trying to say is, I am just as proud of you, as I am of Théodred … and of Eomer for that matter. I am glad you are a part of my family, Legolas, and a part of our army. You are a soldier of Rohan now. Never doubt your standing.”

Legolas held his head high, squared his shoulders and spoke, “You and the people of Rohan have been very kind to me, and I am proud to serve your army and protect this land. Thank you for opening your doors, giving me a home, and an opportunity to improve my skills.”

The King smiled, the creases at the corners of his eyes deepening, and Legolas felt his admiration. Théoden was a busy man, and did not always have the time to spare for his family, but when the moment arose, he gave them every part of himself, as he was doing now. Théoden pulled Legolas to him, embracing him, as a father would do for his son. He released him and stood back smiling. He ruffled the hair atop of the elf’s head, and then caught the attention of a stable hand, “This foal now belongs to Legolas. See that he is well taken care of, and expect to see more of our newest soldier around the stables.”

Those who Théoden spoke to bowed respectfully, and then went about their duties, “Well Legolas, now you will have to come up with a name.”

As soon as the King spoke, the foal drew their attention once more as it began thrashing its awkward legs. The mother snorted as she watched the newborn try to stand, encouraging him. Finally, after many failing attempts, the foal was standing on all four legs, though they were spread ridiculously wide apart and wobbling. Lúta looked on amazed, “I have never seen one get up so soon.”

Legolas went to him, getting a better look now that the mother seemed to have cleaned him up a bit. He was white with grey running up his legs, and a bit of grey sprinkled about his head and neck, “He is a handsome little fellow ... and quite determined.” The little horse nodded his head up and down, trying to focus his eyes on Legolas. He took a couple steps towards the elf, and feeling sure of himself, tried to give a hop or two. His legs, however, did not do what his mind was telling them and he fell. He got right back up and tried again, this time walking the last few steps to close the distance between him and the elf. Legolas laughed aloud, “You’re a quick learner, aren’t you? I know just the name for you. Arod, that’s it. It means ‘swift’.”

“That’s a fine name,” Théoden said from across the stall.

After a few more moments, Lúta spoke up, “Well, I think it’s time we give mother and baby their peace.”

Legolas smiled and rubbed Arod’s head, “You keep practicing, and I will come visit you tomorrow.” He stood up and looked at Lúta, “As long as it is alright with you.”

“Oh, of course, he is your horse now.” She returned a smile, and a slight blush colored her cheeks, “Oh … uh … thank you for your help.”

Legolas bowed to her, and as he stood straight, his eyes met hers and held her a moment, “Tomorrow then.”

Lúta could not find her voice, caught off guard by his alluring blue eyes. She swept a piece of her red hair from her face and gave a nod. Legolas broke his stare, and flashed another smile, this time his dimples showing. He turned to the stall door, and Théoden wrapped his arm around his shoulder. The King was privileged to share this important moment with Legolas. He never again doubted his decision to take the elf under his roof. Rohan was fortunate to have him, as was its army.

Beta: Mindirith
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The Last Wood Elf