The next morning, Estel was surprised to discover that his new friend had awoken before him and was awaiting him at the archery field. Lord Elrond’s look was a scolding one, as though asking him how could a guest be treated thus.

“Ada,” Estel said. "He did not tell me he would be up so early in the morn.”

This time he was reproached by the raising of a single eyebrow, which clearly meant that he should have expected such a deed from a warrior prince. Estel sighed. There were times when he felt Lord Elrond asked too much of him, most likely because of his different origin. He was not certain whether this was one of those times and arguing would do him no good. He opted for taking his leave and collecting his bow and arrows to join Legolas.

“You truly are very accurate,” Estel noted as he approached the position against which the Elf’s target stood.

“And you are quite noisy,” Legolas answered. “I've been listening to your steps for the past ten minutes. It's an interesting sort of a walk that you have acquired.”

“Interesting in what way?” Estel could feel himself tense up. He wasn't sure what to feel when the prince laughed lightly.

“I meant nothing by it, only that the combination of traits revealed through it is an interesting one. Your walk carries speed but also shows that thought has been put into it. You've not made one unnecessary move. Would you not agree that it is interesting?”

Estel wanted to share honesty more than anything else with the Elf. He smiled and replied in much the same manner. “I find that the way you've interpreted my walk is more interesting than the subject of your analysis.”

Legolas laughed again. Estel realized that he liked the sound and wished to produce it as often as he could. The Elf signaled for him to come closer. “One thing at a time, mellon-nin, first we should work on archery. Have you brought a bow with you?”

Estel nodded in the affirmative and stepped up beside Legolas. He took aim and let his arrow fly. Though it wasn't a bad shot, it was not as accurate as any of the Elf's results, as the target clearly displayed. He tried again but was certain that the outcome would be no different. The arrow had but sunk into the round board and he knew he was right.

“That's not a bad shot.” Legolas appraised.

“You're being kind to me. Neither shot was a good one.”

“It's a good shot,” the Elf repeated firmly. “The question is what you compare it with.”

“And what did you compare it with?” Estel asked.

“A shot by anyone not trained in Mirkwood,” Legolas said, his amusement obvious. “Would you like me to show you one of the things that help our archers?”

“I would love that.”

“Alright,” Legolas said. “Stand here.” He was pointing to a spot next to him on his right and Estel was quick to obey. “Raise your bow and take aim. Good, now what you have to do is stop. Are you feeling the strain in your muscles?”

Estel confirmed.

“That's one thing we will work on, building up the ability to hold an aiming position for a long time. But that will not happen quickly. I'll show you something simpler for now. When you raise your bow and aim, don't do it immediately. First let out your breath until your lungs are almost empty and hold it. Yes, like that. Notice though, that your lungs shouldn't be completely empty, or you would be hard pressed for air. If you do this, you'll be more stable when you fire your bow.” All along, the Elven fingers were holding up Estel's arms from behind and the man could sense the Elf's cheek hovering so close to his own. The intensity of his wish to feel Legolas' skin surprised him. “Aim the bow a little bit above the point you want to reach and release the arrow.”

Estel did as he was instructed and watched as the improvement in his shot became more evident with each trial. He didn't, however, feel more stable.

To be continued...