Chapter Eleven: Discovery "I don't believe it..." Uruviel's head tilted, gaze shifting from Haldir to Dinendel, who appeared to be staring at her, though his eyes seemed a little unfocused. Following the line of his vision, her own azure gaze alighted on what had so shocked him - the ensign, the hidden prize, was sheltered just beneath the lip of the bridge. Her mouth dropped open. Glancing once at Haldir, who still stood knee deep in the river, she darted forward, seized the banner, standard and all, and sprinted up the bank. She had the key, the key to victory, and she would not stop now. Haldir churned through the water, scrambling onto the grass and up the opposite side. Uruviel raced across the bridge, feet pounding over the path back to the palace. Hindered by his wet clothes, Haldir charged after her - praying that stamina and strength would help him, should her speed fail. The race back to the start wasn't easy for either of them. At every turn the remaining contestants leapt from bush and bough, determined to seize the banner for themselves. More came running as they heard the horde crash through the valley. Uruviel dodged all that she could, using the standard as a lance to fend off people in front, and knocking those she raced by without remorse. On the high balcony, Elrond and the others had begun to retreat indoors; the high midday sun had become unbearably hot and lunch was calling. As the processed into the palace - a shout carried across the air. Galadriel alone turned around, eyes narrowing on the verdant field. "What was that sound?" she asked calmly. The lords shook their heads, looking from one to the next. "I didn't hear anything," Thranduil answered. Far below - a great bellowing arose, championed by a storm of people. With only the briefest hesitation, everyone rushed back to the balcony to see what had befallen. At the head of the pack, and several metres in the lead, Uruviel was sprinting for the finish line, having outdistanced all of her competition - all, except one. Haldir, fighting desperately to catch her, despite his obvious handicaps, was gaining, centimetres in every stride. From above, the elven nobility watched in complete silence. Celeborn and Galadriel stood at the very front of the balcony, arms around each other as their granddaughter fought to stay in the lead. On the field, no more than a few metres from the finish, Haldir threw the last strength he had into a dive, catching Uruviel around the feet and dragging her down. Over and over they rolled, until he pinned her down, the standard between them. She was nearly as tired as he was, and fully incapable of fighting him off. The silver and sapphire of their eyes seemed to melt together for a moment, as she struggled against his hold, knowing there was no point. Forcing a few ragged words through his laboured breathing, Haldir whispered his apologies, "I'm sorry." The pained expression on his face was utterly genuine. It was a trial to take this victory from her, especially when dignity was riding on her success. His dignity, however, was on the line as well, and at a far greater risk. She was just another competitor. Uruviel returned his sympathy with a smile, and a few soft words of her own, show of resignation nearly complete. "I love you," she answered, meeting his placid gaze with a fiery sparkle. Lifting her head, she kissed him gently on the lips, the picture of forfeit, before driving her knee as sharply upward as she could. Haldir cried out in pain, clenching his eyes shut and rolling to the side. As he moved, she darted out from beneath him, standard in hand. Without looking back, she bolted - crossing the finishing line at a steady lope. Back |
