Cowgirls, a very long and hard ride!

She walked over to Chrissy’s room, knocked on the door and waited for her friend to answer. Jenny waited for a moment then opened to the door to find an empty room.

Jenny said, “Damn, she left without me! Figures! Or maybe not…I wonder if Orlando came and got her…hmm,” she shut the door behind her and began walking towards the front of the Palace.

She gazed all around the area in search of Haldir and wished to give him a piece of her mind. Jenny thought it was quite rude to leave in the middle of there game.

Then out of nowhere a voice came from behind her and she snapped around to see who was speaking. She whipped around to see King Thranduil standing a few feet before her and in that moment a vision of Legolas swept in her mind.

King Thranduil was looking for Lady Chrissy to speak to her about the way his guards treated her earlier. However, he could not seem to find her and then he spotted Lady Jenny, ahead. He decided to walk over and see if she knew the whereabouts of her friend.

The King of Mirkwood stated, “Mi Lady Jenny, would you happen to know where Lady Chrissy, your companion may be? I have some urgent news regarding an incident that happened this afternoon,” as his eyes grew with anticipation.

Jenny gave him a half smile, “Well, that is what I want to know! Who knows, (she said sassy) maybe Prince Orlando has her occupied in his private chambers…doing dirty things… (Then she processed the last thing he said) Wait! What happened this afternoon?” her eyes filled with worry.

King Thranduil’s thoughts, “My foster son is fond of Lady Chrissy? Well, I see everything is falling into place as it should…besides, he is a chip off the old block…beautiful creatures are the prize.”

King Thranduil replied, “My guards tried to take advantage of your friend in my private gardens. I wanted to see if she was hurt in any way…however, I believe my guards are the ones that learned a lesson about beautiful maidens and there strength…I was hoping to speak with her regarding this mess,” he placed his hand on her shoulder.

Jenny stated hurriedly, “What the hell? I have to find her and see if she is alright…I will tell her that you are looking for her…” as she ran off to find Lady Chrissy.

She quickly made her way back into the palace and around the hallway to where Chrissy’s room was located. Then, to Jenny’s surprise, Legolas was exiting and the two locked eyes, together.

Jenny asked impatiently, “How is she holding up? I just heard about what happened, as she walked closer to Legolas.

Legolas smiled, “Your friend is well now. She was a little frightened earlier and a bit bruised. However, after a soothing conversation and a little crying…Lady Chrissy will have forgotten all about that ugly situation,” then Lady Jenny brushed by him and closed the door.

Chrissy walked over to the mirror once again and saw humiliation creep along her face. She wondered how she was going to face King Thranduil after this awful situation. Then she heard voices in the hall, the door being shut quickly and someone running inside.

Jenny ran over, “I just heard what happened to you…are you alright,” as she caught a glimpse of the mark, “What the hell? I hoped you kicked there asses for that nasty bruise,” as she gently ran her hand over it.

Chrissy quickly covered it up, “I’m alright! The bruise will go away tonight when I sleep,” Tears escaped from her eyes, “King Thranduil probably thinks I’m a tramp…or worse an Elf beater,” her hands went up to her face.

Jenny went over to console her friend, “I don’t think King Thranduil thinks that about you. Besides, I just spoke with him and he is quite concerned about you. He asked that when I find you, to let you know that he wants to speak with you” as she leaned in from the side to hug her.

Chrissy started to giggle, “Elf beater?” as she sat there and laughed at the stupid saying.

Then Jenny giggled too, “I was trying to stay serious for you but that was pretty damn funny,” She thought for a moment, “You know, I saw Legolas leaving this room…Is there anything you want to share,” as she grew with anticipation.

Legolas knew that the two girls needed time to talk and to sort things out before dinner. On the way to his own room, Orlando was in the distance entering into his room and he wished to speak with him.

His voice rang through the hall, “Orlando,” Legolas stated as he watched him turn around at this calling.

Orlando had just walked in from giving some village Elflings there riding lessons and teaching them to hunt. He cut out early on his duties for the special dinner that was arranged for two young maidens. His thoughts were on the blonde one that was called Chrissy.

The thoughts soon were interrupted by a voice calling out his name. He turned to see his brother, Legolas, standing down the hall.

Orlando smiled when he replied, “Yes, Legolas,” then he watch Legolas walk down to him.

Legolas walked over to him, “I wish for you to escort, Lady Chrissy to dinner tonight. I know that you are quite fond of this maiden and I thought it would be suitable for the two of you,” he saw the gleam in his brother’s eyes at this request.

Orlando smiled from ear to ear, “What if I already asked another Elleth to let me escort her to dinner?” as he teased Legolas, not wanting his brother to see his true feelings.

Legolas replied to his sarcasm, “Dear brother, I believe you would not miss this opportunity. However, if you have other plans…I can just escort the two beauties myself.” as he eyed his brother, already knowing of his feelings for the young maiden.

Orlando smirked as seriousness hit his tone, “I will be ready to escort, Lady Chrissy, tonight for dinner,” as he knew that his brother saw right through his true feelings.

Legolas smiled, “Brother, I shalt take my leave from you. I must speak to father right away,” he exited quickly.

Haldir grabbed his clothes quickly as Jenny’s attention was directed to the knocking. He got embarrassed by his manners and knew that the maid would give him an ear full.

A side door was nearby and he quickly ran out into the hall stark naked. He found a broom closet and ran inside to put his clothes back on. He prayed to the Valar that no one saw him in his birthday suit.

When he was decent, he stuck his head out of the closet and looked to see if anyone was coming down the hall. Then he strolled down the hall and looked out the window to see Lady Chrissy being attacked.

However, to Haldir’s surprise, Lady Chrissy fought back and showed the two Elves who was in charge. He was surprised to see Rabel and Landri in this mess. The two were young Merchwardens and needed to be spoken to about there actions.

While walking down the hallway, he saw Lady Chrissy limping into her room and shutting the door, loudly. Haldir walked over to her door and placed his hand over the handle.

Haldir stood there for a moment and heard soft crying in the room. He was not very good at giving young Maidens advice or showing affection. His hand slowly released off the handle and he silently prayed that the Valar would help ease her mind.

He then turned away from Lady Chrissy’s room and thought about her friend. His mind was full of shots of Lady Jenny and the way she took control over his body.

Haldir’s thoughts, “Never in a million decades would I ever let a Maiden have that much power over me. She does something to me…is she a witch or does fate have a hand in this?”

His thoughts raced with uncertain and wonder with this young female he barely knew. It frightened Haldir that he had many questions for Lady Jenny and knew that he had to get her out of his mind somehow.

Haldir began to walk towards the outside of the Palace and ran into King Thranduil. He observed the Kings face as it was very disturbed and his mind was in deep thought.

With concern Haldir asked, “Pardon, King Thranduil, what troubles you?”

King Thranduil looked up, “Haldir, I want you to find Rabel and Landri. Bring them to my study right away, I wish to speak with them regarding a matter that happened earlier…They may resist …bring my son with you,” he searched Haldir’s eyes for an answer.

Haldir did not question, “I will do as you ask, King Thranduil,” as he bowed.

King Thranduil watch Haldir as he walked into the distance and wondered if the two Elves were all ready ten thousand leagues from Mirkwood Forest. The King knew if anyone could find them, it would Haldir and Prince Legolas.

Landri walked away in disgust and he knew that an apology was in order to the Maiden. However, he knew that giving her time would probably be best as he contemplated in his mind what to do next.

His little brother, Rabel, was very much into pleasuring young and beautiful maidens. But, his behavior was more then he could stand. As the oldest he should not encourage or be apart of such nonsense.

Landri walked until he reached his post and sat there for several hours waiting for his judgment from King Thranduil. He knew that this behavior in Mirkwood is not allowed and the penalty will be imprisonment or banishment.

None of these choices were appealing to him at the moment and to leave his home was not going to be an option. So, he decided to plead with King Thranduil about being imprisoned or being sent to the front lines to protect Mirkwood.

After sitting for several hours, Landri decided that he would turn himself into King Thranduil. He began walking towards the Palace and his stomach began to turn in grief.

Haldir went in search of Prince Legolas as he walked towards the Palace near his chambers. However, to his luck, Legolas was on his way out and he called out, “Legolas”.

Legolas was on his way to speak with his father when he heard his name being called from in the distance. He turned around and saw Haldir walking towards him.

Haldir smiled, “Legolas, your father, would like us to find Landri and Rabel. They have done something terrible to Lady Chrissy,” as disgust rained over the Princes face.

Legolas answered, “Yes, I am aware of what those two did in my father’s gardens,” He thought for a moment, “Lady Chrissy was quite shaken up by the situation. I left her moments ago…the two hurt the maiden’s spirit and left quite a mark on her thigh,” as he stopped as Haldir’s broke out into a laugh.

Haldir interrupted Legolas with a chuckle, “Do you realize that Maiden fought with strength like an Elf? Lady Chrissy is quite the fighter and proved it by over powering Landri and Rabel. The two were thrown against a tree as your father come around to intervene into the situation,” he watched Legolas’s expressions.

Legolas gave him a puzzling look, “That is quite interesting, as that Maiden defended herself against two of Mirkwood’s finest fighters,” Then he grunted, “Nonetheless, they should be punished for there actions. Let us find Landri and Rabel. ” He commanded.

Legolas and Haldir walked towards the Merchwarden to alert the other Elves of Landri and Rabel. After letting the Merchwarden know of the two’s behavior, Legolas and Haldir went to Landri’s corroders.

However, to there luck, Landri was coming towards them and his hand’s waived up to Legolas and Haldir.

Landri got this sick feeling in the pit of his stomach as he saw Legolas and Haldir approach. He knew that this was it and he would have to pay for what was done.

Landri greeted the both of them, “Good day, Prince Legolas and Haldir,” he thought for a moment as he took a deep breath, “I know that I have committed an awful crime that is inexcusable. I shalt not struggle nor put up a fight as I give up myself to you freely,” he put out his hands in front of him.

Haldir stated, “Prince Legolas and I shalt not bind your hands. You will come with us as King Thranduil will decide your punishment. Please do not escape, for you know the punishment, if you decided to escape,” he thought for a moment, “I know you were trying to stop your brother from forcing himself onto of Lady Chrissy. I will pray to the Valar that your sentencing will not be as harsh!”

Prince Legolas added, “Why did you not stop Rabel? You are the oldest of your siblings. Wisdom should have been your weapon against his lustful eyes.” In a rage he pushed Landri.

Landri listened as the Prince lectured and the he jolted back from the blow. He dropped to his knees with disgust in actions and looked up to the Prince with tears in his eyes.

Pleading for his life, “Prince Legolas, hear me as I state these words to you. Everyday that I’m imprisoned, I shalt take it with a smile and with grace knowing that it was my faults that lead me there. Please take pity on me at this moment,” He thought for a moment, “But before I am imprisoned, I wish to apologize to the Maiden that I hurt today,” tears streamed down his face.

Legolas and Haldir did take mercy on Landri as they heard his request and cries. They knew that it was not there judgment call on what could be decided and they helped Landri up.

They all walked back to the Palace and into King Thranduil’s study as Landri took yet another deep breath. Knots engulfed his stomach as he knew that the rest of his life would be determined by this very moment.

Orlando went into his room and knew that he forgot something down at the stables. He walked out of his room and down the hall near his father’s chambers.

King Thranduil’s voice could be heard echoing throughout the room in utter anger. Orlando overheard what one of the Elf Guards had done to the Maiden that he had met earlier.

In the room, fate would be decided for Landri as the King spoke, “You know the penalty for such behavior, Landri, in my Kingdom,” The King thought for a moment, “Please tell me, why you of all Elves, would do such a crime?”

Landri’s face became flushed with shame, “Mi Lord, Please forgive me for what I have done thus very day. It twas my fault for not keeping the situation under control and letting my Brother, Rabel persuade me into such behavior to a guest,” he thought for a moment, “If I may but have one request, to publicly apology for my actions to Lady Chrissy as it will ease my conscious.”

King Thranduil knew that Landri tried to stop his brother from raping Lady Chrissy. However, he decided to join in on the last minute. He would give Landri the lighter sentencing.

A dead silence rang through the Chambers as King Thranduil heard the request and answered, “Landri, your request is granted. The public apology shalt be delivered tonight. Now for your sentence, you will be imprisoned for thirty days and after that time someone will council you for three months regarding your actions. You will be striped of all rank and will report to the front lines after you’ve completed the counseling,” as he motioned for guards to take Landri to the dungeon.

Elven guards banded Landri’s hands and they were on there way to the dungeon. The door burst open with the three of them and Landri with a sorrowful heart.

Orlando gasped of the terrible news that was coming from his father’s study. He heard the door open as Elven guards came out with Landri in binds. Haldir and Legolas followed right behind them as they exited the chambers.

Orlando stopped his brother, “What just happened inside the chambers? Why on Middle Earth was Landri hands in binds?” Questions filled his mind.

Legolas knew that the truth would only infuriate his brother. So he asked, “What did you hear?”

Orlando replied, “I just heard Landri’s sentencing but I do not know what the situation was for the nature of the crime. What is going on?”

Haldir smirked, “That maiden you’re so fond of is quite the fighter. Maybe you should ask her what happened!” as he eyed Legolas.

Legolas glared at Haldir as he answered, “I will not lie to you, dear brother, “He placed his hand on his shoulder, “Lady Chrissy was attacked in Father’s gardens this afternoon by Rabel. He tried to take something that was not his to give. Landri tried to stop the assault however Rabel talked him into joining him. Thankfully she was not hurt badly…her spirit is a little broken and a little bruised. However, I believe she will recover from this horrible situation.”

Orlando eyed Legolas for a moment, “Rabel tried to rape Lady Chrissy? Where is he? I will not stand for this…” he stormed away.

Legolas grabbed his arm, “Brother, I beg you not to go after Rabel. I have the Merchwarden looking for him as we speak,” he thought for a moment, “Besides, Lady Chrissy will be waiting for you to escort her in a few hours. What do you say?”

Orlando contemplated, “Maybe you are right, Legolas. However, he shalt pay, if I see him before then.” Legolas released his grip on Orlando.

Haldir growled, “Why do you care so much about a Maiden that you do not even know? It not as if you’ve had relations with Lady Chrissy. She is a mere stranger in our lands. ”

Orlando replied, “What does a Merchwarden know about love or relations with Elleth’s,” as he got up in Haldir’s face, “He does not know any thing about those kinds of matters. The only thing a Merchwarden knows is how to stand watch...looking at other’s lives and not his own,” without another word he turned and left.

Legolas did not say a word to Haldir because he was also intrigued by the Maidens. He knew that Haldir would only poke fun of him too so he decided that it would be best to not say any thing at all. The Prince had another affair to attend too.

Legolas stated, “We must not delay on finding Rabel. Please see to it that the Merchwarden of Mirkwood has double security around the Palace. I am taking leave to my chambers. I have a banquet to attend tonight,” He thought for a moment, “If you find Rabel, make sure he is sent to the dungeons right away.”

Haldir shook his head, “Yes, Prince Legolas, I shalt communicate this to the Merchwarden of Mirkwood. There is no doubt that Rabel will be found,” he bowed as the two walked off into separate directions.

After Rabel’s encounter with Prince Legolas, he started to walk and he found himself on the out skirts of Mirkwood. With all that he was about to loose he was in deep regret and a sorrowful heart. He knew that his brother would do the right thing and turn himself into King Thranduil.

However, Rabel was defiantly a rebel at heart and knew that it would take some rationalizing with his mind before he turned himself in. He sat down at the lake and began thinking of all the events of the day. Before he knew it, one of his friends noticed him.

The Elf guard approached, “You do realize that there is a hunt for you? King Thranduil has already sentenced Landri and is awaiting your presents. You know only staying away will just intensive the sentencing?”

Rabel answered, “I have my own affairs to settle before I turn myself into King Thranduil. I do not care if I am sentenced to death…Leave me be!”

His friend turned away with sadness as he knew that death would only come about from this situation. He walked back down to the path and rejoined the search party.

TBC