towerofanimus | (no subject)

Entry tags:

(no subject)

Characters: Legolas (

bow_of_the_galadhrim), OPEN
Setting: Floor 32, any time in December
Format: Starting in prose, will switch it up
Summary: Legolas is hunting and gathering for the month and saving pelts to keep himself and others warm
Warnings: Hunting, possible shenanigans

As an elf, Legolas was quite resilient to the dropping temperatures in the tower. He knew there was a chill, knew that people were suffering, and he was careful that each time he killed anything now, while he was hunting, was killed as cleanly as possibly to save any pelts to make into blankets or anything else people might need. Already he had felled a deer and a couple pheasants. The meat would feed a few people for a few days at least. Maybe more if it was all properly managed.

The elf also had a leather bag nearby, he'd crafted it a couple months before, filled with berries and other edible plants. Some things wouldn't be tasty (a lot of things really) but they were edible and would prevent starvation. Especially since most people in the tower abhorred the nutribars. He didn't blame them.

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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."

It was almost refreshing, in a way, having to hunt again. Not because he enjoyed it, per se - in fact, he preferred to steer away from meats if possible, but this month's diet was lacking in the amount of protein he needed - but because, jumping through the woods at top-speed with all his senses fine-tuned, Itachi could almost pretend like he was back at home.

Almost.

Even though his eyesight and overall health had taken a blow last month (the sharp drop in temperature certainly didn't help matters any), Itachi's skills still far surpassed what should have rightly been possible. In the blink of an eye, he tossed a shuriken, cleanly killing a rabbit several yards away before it even had the chance to look up. One should do for now, as he was only feeding himself.

He dropped down from a high tree to collect his game, and at first, it seemed like he was unaware of Legolas' presence. But as he stooped down to inspect the rabbit, he spoke calmly and evenly, his words clearly directed at the other man.

"I hope you weren't targeting this," he said. There's a hollowness to his voice that suggests he's not entirely focused on Legolas. "Forgive me, but I didn't see you there."

It's only half-true, in that he was more focused on the game than the person he sensed nearby, but either way, his apology was sincere. He had enough respect for his fellow captives to not want to take any food away from someone who needed it, stranger or not.

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.."

Luckily, he hadn't been targeting the rabbit. He was hoping to find larger game, like another deer, when his eye caught the movement of a weapon and then the young man. He lowered his bow quickly, so the other wouldn't assume he was going to attack, and loosened his hold on his arrow before tucking it back into his quiver.

"I was not. All is well."

He put his bow away as well then, going to gather what he had felled already to place with the deer. The elf did stop for a moment to watch Itachi though and his eyes caught sight of what he had used to kill the rabbit.

"Quite skillful."

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."

Itachi had crouched down by the rabbit, contemplating whether or not he should clean and cook it outside instead of taking it to the kitchen - a question of what he wanted more, to be warm, or to be alone. When addressed by Legolas, he cast him a sideways glance.

"Thank you," he said. His gaze lingered for a moment on the deer carcass lying nearby. "The same to you."

He plucked the shuriken out of the rabbit, gazing at the bloodstained weapon for a moment. Then he spoke up again, softer than before.

"...You must have many mouths to feed."

"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)

"I have hope to provide for as many tower residents as I can. Many avoid the food Jason is providing us with, and with the temperature, they'll need to eat something."

Legolas didn't have to eat much, so he could give most of the food out. If he had any lembas left, he could give all of the food to others or give them the lembas. Either way, people would be fed. The elven bread would probably be much better for it.

"You are welcome to anything I've already gathered. We are all trapped in the same situation."

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."

It was cold, even with her cloak. However, Tohko had promised to give Lancer some deer burgers, and deer burgers she was going to cook. She just had to find a deer, kill it, and get some of the meat to cook. It only she could find one and keep it still long enough.

As Tohko wandered the woods, she spotted Legolas walking around. Not one to leave a friend, she called out to him.

"Ah, hello Legolas! How are you?"

This probably spoke to how inexperienced she was. A good hunter would have had a quieter voice.

"You worried me enough to last a lifetime. Are you willing to make up for that?" Tease tease. Legolas would have, truthfully, been incredibly upset if anything had happened to Haldir, whether his hands would have been to terrible to use or if infection had set in and killed him. He'd have never forgiven himself for not acting quick enough and he'd prefer to keep Haldir's first death as far away as possible.

This kind of concern is normal among friends right? Yes, that's what Legolas continuously assures himself. Although, he does find a lot more pleasure in Haldir's company than with most people.

"I've gathered some berries and other edible plants as well. It's not all for myself though."

"It's a kind offer, but I'll be fine on my own," he said.

It was just as he thought. This man, whoever he was, had plenty of people to hunt and gather for, perhaps even others from his world who he cared deeply for (he forced his mind not to drift back to Sasuke). Itachi didn't want to intrude on that, especially not when he was more than capable of gathering food for himself. He'd been doing it for years, after all, so this month would be no different.

However, he'd already gathered enough for one meal by himself, and he had no particular desire to go back into the Tower just yet. So he turned to the other man and attempted to flash him a friendly look, but it just turned out looking as if he was bored.

"...I have nothing better to do in this place, so would you like some help?" he asked.

His tone of voice suggested he didn't care either way. He was trying his best to seem like the man he'd pretended to be before he made it into the Tower, the arrogant monster who saw no difference between killing an animal for food and slaughtering his comrades, but in reality, he couldn't stand the thought that innocent people would go hungry. Surely one man couldn't gather nearly enough food, but with another pair of hands, it might make a bit of a difference. And nowadays, it seemed as if making a small bit of difference might be the best he could hope for.

He winced slightly and how loud she called out to him and lowered his bow as a dear ran off from the sound. He already had one though so it wasn't too great a loss. The prince smiled and turned to look towards Tohko.

"I am well. And yourself?"

He frowned slightly, noting that she looked cold. Legolas was dressed in his usual travel clothes, a cloak, thin leather boots and he was still comfortable enough with the temperature. That could change later in the month but he was fine for now.

Tohko saw the deer a bit too late as it ran off. She sighed and promised herself that she would be a bit quieter. She was hunting. She couldn't be loud, or else she'd scare her prey. She couldn't afford too many mistakes.

"I'm alright. I'm trying to catch a deer out here..how about you? What are you doing out here?" Tohko then paused for a moment, thinking. Cuddling was probably outside of an elf's dignity, but she'd let him know about it anyway, if he was freezing.

"How are you dealing with the cold?"

The march warden's laugh nearly echoed throughout the forest. "I am more than willing to try." He answered with a brilliant grin. "That is as long as you be be fair with your punishment." Finally done with carving the meat, Haldir packed them up within the leather bag before tending to the scraps left behind.

It wasn't uncommon for the Silvan hunters to bury the parts of the game they could not sell or eat. Therefore, Legolas probably wouldn't be shocked to see Haldir bind the rest of the deer's carcass within a thin white cloth before attempting to dig a proper grave for it. It would be rather foul for him to leave the rest of this once majestic beast out in the open for vultures and crows to feast upon it. So Haldir dug a proper grave for the deer's remains and buried under thick layers of dirt and stones.

"What sort of plants and berries have you gathered? If you filled your purse with that of bright red berries, then I fear you may poison us all." He said mockingly as a joke. "However, I surely do hope you have enough food to spare with me. I do believe I've earned a reward for my efforts thus far." Now washing away the blood from his hands using the water of his canteen, Haldir picked up the leather satchel and offered it to Legolas proudly.

"For you, my dear prince."

"If you are certain. The offer remains if you should change your mind."

He wasn't against someone taking some of it. Everyone needed to eat after all. He was hoping that this would last for a few days among a group, at least. He would go hunting again if it didn't though, he didn't mind. Some people would find it strange that a prince would do such a thing.

"Any help you can offer would be appreciated. If you don't mind, of course. I may have to return later for more game however, I've barely enough space in my satchel to carry what I've caught now."

"I've been hunting to feed who I can and have already gotten one deer, if you need the meat."

He was only guessing why she was seeking one. After all, most people didn't think to be careful with the pelts when they were hunting. They were often more interested in the meat than creating a blanket of the rest.

"Elves are more resilient than Man to differences in weather. If the temperature remains as it is, I will be fine." He unhooked the brooch, a Lorien leaf, and slid his cloak from his own shoulders.

"Here, it is warm."

"That's kind of you, but I have to hunt it myself. It's going to be a gift for someone..besides, I could save up the meat for later and make something out of the skin, if I cut it off correctly."

Since this was her first time hunting, Tohko wasn't sure if that would happen or not. However, she remained optimistic. Plus, since this was a Christmas present, it would be better if she got it done by herself. After all, gifts were best when they came from the heart.

Tohko, a tad flustered, shook her head and her hands, trying to show that she didn't need his cloak.

"I know you're more resilient, but the cold will still affect you. And thank you..but you should keep that. If the temperature gets any lower, I'd feel terrible if you froze. However, tomorrow, there will be a small get-together to share blankets and body warmth. I'm not forcing you to go, but if you wanted to attend with a friend or two, it'd probably be a lot of help for the people involved. And there'll be penguins!"

As if mere penguins would sway him.

"You act as if I would be anything but fair, Haldir?" He feigned being insulted but couldn't help but laugh as well, a moment later. Haldir's laugh was a bit contagious, it seemed. And he needed it with how worried he now was about the people in the tower dealing with this.

Legolas watched quietly as Haldir prepared the deers remains and quickly joined him in digging the grave and burying the deer. He muttered a small prayer for its spirit and looked to Haldir with a smile.

"I would not gather anything that might poison us. I found some berries that would be safe as well as some mushrooms and roots. Little that would taste better than the nutribars but it is all healthy and free of anything Jason might do to it all."

He grinned and took the satchel, slinging it over his shoulder and lay his hand on Haldir's shoulder.

"You have my thanks, Haldir."

"Have you ever hunted before?"

He didn't want to offend her but he had to wonder. Looks were often deceiving but she just didn't seem like the type of young lady that would have ever hunted before. Or to have ever learned how to save the pelt of whatever she killed.

"In time it will, yes, but I've another cloak in my trunk to use until you no longer need this one. Please, it will only weigh me down while I am hunting."

If only he knew what penguins were. Alas, Middle Earth lacked them.

"I shall speak with my friends and encourage them to go."

The march warden bowed gracefully before Legolas in hopes of hiding his embarrassment. Despite how often he spends his time with this regal elf, Haldir seemed to always find himself somewhat flustered as of late. Of course he blamed this upon his frayed nerves, but that isn't exactly true. If anything, he knew that Legolas was the cause of his nervousness but acts as if he isn't. There shall be other opportunities for him to explore such feelings, but for now Haldir was content enough to ignore them.

"Think nothing of it, my friend. You would do the same had you been in my debt." Quite jolly now for reasons unbeknown to him, Haldir reclaimed his knife and bow. "I have noticed the lack of provisions as of lately, along with the lack of suitable heat." He commented with a slight frown upon his lips. "I do believe that Jason's wrath extends to all of us thanks to a few stalwart rebels." News caught on quickly of the brave but foolish few who attempted to attack the Administrators. It would seem that the fragile peace of the Tower was at stake here.

"The coldest winter is ahead of us, Legolas." His frown deepened. "We mustn't allow these people to starve."

Edited 2012-12-09 08:04 (UTC)

Tohko sighed. "It's that obvious, huh? I've read about hunting in several books..but I've never actually hunted before."

Tohko sighed again. She had figured that if Mowgli had been able to catch, kill, and skin a tiger, she could do the same to a deer. However, she was messing up. In her head, she reviewed what a proper wolf of Akela's pack would do. Stay downwind, if you could gauge that. Avoid making too much noise, or stepping on any loud branches. Take the deer by surprise. She'd worry about skinning one when she could actually catch one.

Tohko then nodded and took Legolas's cloak. "Alright then. However, if you need it back at any time, don't hesitate to ask for it." She then tied it on and nodded.

"Alright then. Hopefully they'll be able to come..and if you're hunting, I hope I'm not bothering you."

"What those people attempted was reckless and nothing short of stupid." For a moment, he reminded himself of Gandalf and Pippin in Moria but quickly shook the memory off. Pippin wouldn't do something like this. This beat anything he and Merry could do. They should have known that Jason wouldn't take kindly to the attempt and that they wouldn't be alone in suffering.

Besides food, they could gather dry wood, blankets, anything that could provide warmth. Perhaps even furnish a shelter on one of the floors or have large groups stay in each room to share warmth.

"And we won't. We'll make sure as many people survive as we can. I'm going to need you, Haldir."

Both for support in this endeavor and because Legolas knew that he might end up getting himself killed if it meant keeping everyone else alive. And if there was anyone he could trust with helping it, it was the march warden. Haldir probably knew that, knew the level of trust Legolas held for him.

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