From that Moment

A/N - This is a short fanfic that is written for the 'But it's my first time' challenge, Legolas' POV as he realizes something that makes his character as he is. Also this is the first fanfic I have actually written. Please Read and Review, all comments greatly appreciated.

******************************************************************************************

Mirkwood forest, my homeland, was beautifully quiet in the early light of morning. Not a sound could be heard for the wildlife that inhabited the forest was in peaceful slumber. Being an elf I have always greatly appreciated the beauty and tranquillity of a sunrise in the forest, so naturally I had woken up early again to attend this daily ritual of mine.

I made my way through the undergrowth, hardly making a sound for I did not want to wake the creatures of the forest. I knew that nobody would be awake at this time of day and was thoroughly surprised when I heard a noise not to far from where I was standing. I froze instantly, not wanting to be attacked by any creature of the dark, and waited patiently until I knew it was safe for me to continue.

It seemed as if I was waiting for an awfully long time, but in reality it was only a few minutes, until I heard the noise again. I still couldn’t figure out what the noise was, which greatly puzzled me. It was after I had heard the noise for the third time that my curiosity got the better of me, I had to find out what the noise was coming from, so I slowly made my way towards the area the noise had come from.

Gradually I crept through the forest sticking to the shadows of the trees getting closer and closer to the source of the noise. The closer I got the louder the noise became, and the louder it became the more my anticipation grew. I became so obsessed with tracking the noise that I hardly noticed the scratch on my cheek that I had somehow accumulated on this path of curiosity. It wasn’t until I felt the trickle of blood down my cheek that I realized what I had done.

‘Great, somebody is going to notice this scratch, now I won’t be able to slip back into the palace with nobody knowing I was gone.’

I quickly tried to stop the scratch from bleeding but all I was successful in was ruining my sleeve.

‘Ada isn’t going to be very happy about this.’

I continued towards the source of the noise, forgetting about my cheek. I couldn’t get the thought of what the noise could be out of my head. I could see the undergrowth slowly starting to thin and I knew that I was getting ever closer to the source. I slowly crept through the last bush, not daring to make a sound, I did not want to alert whomever, or whatever, was making the noise, to my presence.

What I saw astounded me; I could not believe my eyes. Standing there, not three feet in front of me, was an elf shooting arrows at a target that was placed at the other end of the field. The field being so long that I cannot even estimate at its length. He did it with such grace that it looked as if he needn’t put that much effort in. It just seemed to come naturally to him. It was a beautiful sight.

In my state of awe I had risen out of the bushes making my presence known to the elf stood in front of me. He quickly turned around with his bow aimed in my direction. I just stood there in shock, not knowing what to do next. Suddenly realization registered on his face and he hastily lowered his bow.

“Prince Legolas! I apologize for my rudeness, but what are you doing awake at this hour?” I suddenly realized that this elf was none other than Calbried, the Captain of the border patrol.
“Have you ever sat and watched a sunrise, Captain? It is a most beautiful sight, one that I rise early enough every morning to watch. Now tell me, Captain, How did you learn to use the bow in that fashion?” I replied, trying not to let my curiosity known.
“Every elf can use a bow, my prince!”
“Yes but not in such a graceful manner! I have never seen anyone use a weapon in such a beautiful way!” Calbried turned a shade of crimson at this remark.
“I thank you my prince. Your praises are greatly appreciated. You see when I first joined the border patrol I was the clumsiest archer and was frequently the base of all jokes; but after a few years I improved and was promoted to Captain.”
“That is a remarkable story, Captain!” I said astounded, “But how did you achieve the improvement? Do you think that you could teach me?”
“I do not believe myself worthy enough to teach anyone, let alone the Prince of Mirkwood!” The look of shock on his face was quite amusing but I kept my face empty of emotion. I did not want to offend the Captain.
“I’m sure you are just as good a teacher as the ones that taught me as an elfling.” A glimmer of a smile appeared on his face.
“When would you like to begin, my Prince?” His smile broadening.
“As soon as possible, Captain!” I said meeting his smile with one of my own.
“Then follow me and we will begin at once!” I followed Calbried into the clearing, Excitement written all over my face. I could not wait to get started.

And thus began my lessons of graceful archery technique; And I knew from that moment, when I felt the bow in my hand and the quiver on my back, that I would use this weapon and this technique for a long time to come.