towerofanimus | (no subject)

It shouldn't come as any surprise that Legolas wouldn't be the only one to venture into these parts in search of game. In truth, Haldir possessed less nobler ambitions than the prince today. He simply wished to test his sword-arm in hopes of returning to his daily regimen. It too many days for his injured hands to heal, and took even longer for them to reclaim their lost strength. While Haldir was quite pleased with his recovery thus far, the march warden couldn't help but let out a frustrated sigh.

His marksmanship has suffered terribly due to his lack of training. It usually took him just one chance to fell a deer, but now it took three. Utterly humiliated by his shortcomings, Haldir paused suddenly when he heard the approach of another. Quick to hide himself amongst the trees, Haldir waited for the other to pass. He figured that other hunters would come to seek live game during these cold winter months, especially since food was lacking as of late.

Not very eager to meet another here upon this floating island, the march warden began to pack his things until he spotted a familiar silhouette. "Legolas?" He muttered louder than he had intended to do so. While he wasn't very surprised to see the younger elf here, Haldir wasn't prepared for their meeting. Marred with traces of blood and dirt upon his tunic and cloak, the march warden couldn't help but feel somewhat self-conscious around Legolas' presence. Especially since he knows that he doesn't quite look his best today.

He had been meaning to collect his game now, skin them and cook some of the meat when she stopped at the voice. Legolas tucked his bow away and glanced around, a smile crossing his face as he recognized the voice. It was good to know that Haldir was out and about now that he'd recovered.

"Haldir. Come out of there, I've never known you to avoid another so."

Granted, he didn't know the march warden as well and others from the Golden Wood might but they'd grown rather close since Haldir had come to the tower. And Legolas wouldn't have worried so much about him when he was injured if they hadn't gotten close.

"You can help me with this, my friend."

A rueful scoff was heard once Haldir emerged from behind the trees. "T'was not my intention to do so." He muttered in feign annoyance. A smile settled on his lips briefly as he brushed back his pale locks. "What reason would I have to avoid you after all we've been through?" The march warden asked as he drew near.

While he always known of Legolas thanks to Lothlórien's ties with that of the Woodland Realms, it wasn't until here in Animus that Haldir felt so closely tied to Legolas. The younger elf has been both his friend and savior in this hostile realm. "What is it that you need of me?" Haldir asked curiously as he eyed the many pelts with a look of surprise.

"You mean to put me to work so soon after my recovery?" He scoffed, but wasted no time assisting Legolas in his efforts. "You are quite cruel to me, mellonamin.."

He couldn't help but laugh a bit at the annoyance in his voice and his scoffing. He expected nothing less of the older elf, really. The two really were a sharp contrast to the other in terms of behavior. Sometimes it was more easily noted than others, like now.

"What better way to recover your strength and skills then to get right to work? I'll not work you too hard though."

He grinned and drew his knife, going over the the deer and getting to work. He made no comment about the blood and dirt that covered Haldir when he had come out from among the trees and still wouldn't. Although, he was tempted to after the last time haldir had caught Legolas when he had been covered in dirt.

Haldir offered Legolas a humored smirk once he heard him chuckle. Of course Legolas must've realized by now that the march warden was perhaps the most impertinent elf of all of Lothlórien. Only Haldir would greet another with mock scorn rather than true gleefulness. He certainly hoped that that his companion learned not to take offense. "A benevolent master, hm? I suppose I should deem myself as fortunate." He replied not a moment too soon.

Still feeling a tad self-conscious about his appearance, Haldir knelt down beside Legolas and assisted in carving the pelt off the deer. This would be messy work, but a find time to test the strength of his hands. "You desire to keep the meat as well, yes?" He replied curiously.

"If so, I certainly hope you've brought an empty satchel."

"Master? Hardly! However, I would think you in debt to me for the worry you put me through when you were injured."

He smiles and pats Haldir on the shoulder so he knows that he's not actually holding it against him. And Legolas was glad that he'd worn traveling clothes to do this. Any blood or grime that got on them wouldn't be a problem and they could be cleaned. If they were worth saving at this point rather than making new clothes.

"I'm not sure it will be large enough for all that is here but it shouldn't be difficult to get another quickly enough."

Hopefully.

Edited 2012-12-09 03:27 (UTC)

His smile grew with every moment spent with this cheeky elf. How can he not smile around Legolas when he spoke so adamantly about him? It would seem that Haldir has accumulated a hefty debt he must pay off in hard labor. "If you wish it, then so be it. I suppose I do owe you something." Haldir replied with a cheerful chuckle. Long gone are the days when the march warden toiled about in mindless worry. It was almost as if his spirit has been lifted as of late, all thanks to Gandalf no less. If the White Wizard hadn't healed him, then Haldir probably would've surely succumbed to his awful wounds.

"Then allow for me cut the usable meat into smaller pieces." The older elf suggested as he began cutting away at the animal with a butcher's finesse. This was indeed bloody and grimy work, but Haldir seemed almost pleased to do so. Not very typical of the march warden who prized himself for his cleanliness. It seems that the elf was in a rather decent mood for once.

"I must say, you shouldn't go through such trouble for venison." Haldir idly said as he began to package the deer meat within the satchel. He wrapped them all within several clean scraps of cloth before putting the bloody chucks away. "You should try your hand at eating more vegetables, Legolas."