1) prancing
2) someone saying, "Is it supposed to do that?"
3) a message
4) a sword fight

Read the Opposition

Aragorn watched Arwen the daughter of Lord Elrond walk gracefully into the rose garden and take her seat on a marble bench. She had received a message from Elrohir that there was to be a fight and her presence there was requested.

Aragorn was to duel both Elrohir and Elladan, a plan set up by the three in order to impress Arwen with Aragorn�s skill.

After a few moments of hesitation Aragorn entered the garden, smiling at the Elf maiden as he walked past the bench and into the fighting area. The twins were already there and positioned themselves one on either side of the young man.

Elladan gave a little smirk in Aragorn's direction, his thought evident in his face: this was going to be fun. They each bowed in turn toward each other and then the duel began. The twins alternated throwing blows at the lanky swordsman who easily blocked them off.

Arwen, who was quietly watching, though impressed was having a difficult time trying not to laugh. Even before the arrival of the message she had known that this was just a play set up by her brothers and Aragorn, for she had watched them many a night from her bedroom window 'rehearsing.'

The Valar only know how long that the three had been planning this little set up, but nevertheless she watched with interest every movement made by the limber Aragorn. Even though he was not an Elf, he possessed the skill to pull off quick sudden movements and blocks.

After the duel, in which Aragorn had successfully 'defeated' the two Elves, he started to prance around the garden in a triumphant way. With a grin on his face he walked over to the young maiden. 'What did you think Arwen? Are you not impressed?'

Arwen stood and looked up at the grinning young man-- still, to her thinking, a boy, for though in appearance they were of similar age, she had passed his count of years by thousands. Hiding her private amusement, Arwen replied gravely, 'Oh yes Master Aragorn, I am very much impressed! I do have a question though, young sir.' She spoke in a way that she sounded wise and old.

'What?' asked Aragorn with equal solemnity, wiping the beads of sweat off his brow.

Arwen took his sword and to the young man's horror started bending it back and forth with her hand. 'Is it supposed to do that?' she questioned. Aragorn flushed rapidly, shooting pleading looks over his shoulder at the twins. They had used rubber-like swords in the case of one of them missing a blow, to prevent injury.

'Well, ah, well ...' Aragorn stuttered, slowly taking two steps backward away from the questioning Elf. Arwen's smile broke through and she put down the fake sword, stepping closer to Aragorn. 'Really, I would never have thought that the three of you would go to such great lengths to try and impress me.'

'You knew about all this?' Elrohir demanded, wide eyed. Arwen just laughed at him, slowly leaning over to place a small kiss on Aragorn�s cheek. Then she walked away, leaving the boys in astonishment.

Elladan smacked his brother lightly on the head with his 'sword.' 'Dolt,' he said. 'I told you it wasn't Erestor who was watching us.'

Fini.
Critique?