Falling For You

Chapter Four

The next morning, Arcturus awoke. He kicked his small blanket off his body and stood up with a small stretch. He wandered over to his small cupboard, changing into more appropriate clothing which was just his green tunic and battle gear before grabbing his quiver, bow, arrows and his sword and twin blades. He knew he was probably over prepared but you never know what one journey may lead you.

As he descended from the staircase, he came face to face with his mother, who was smiling at her son. A smile full of support. Remi was standing at her mother's feet, which surprised Arcturus. Remi hated having to get up early. She preferred to stay in her room until the late hours of the morning.

"Goodbye, Naneth and Remi. I love you both and I will see you soon. I promise." Arcturus smiled at his family. Remi gave him the biggest smile ever.

"Goodbye, Arty!" Remi smiled, jumping into her brother's arms, one last time. Lorelei smiled and kissed her son's forehead.

Arcturus smiled before running off to the Halls of Thranduil, however he came face to face with Legolas before he could make it to the king.

"Arcturus! Le Abdollen." (Arcturus! You're late.) He spoke with a smile. Arcturus mentally panicked for a second, his eyes slightly widening.

"Sorry." Arcturus scratched the back of his head, sheepishly. He gave the prince an apologetic look as he returned to his 'at ease' stance.

"I was messing with you. We are both an hour early." Legolas' grin widened when he saw Arcturus visibly relax, a fake offended look on his face.

"You scared me."

"I know."

Arcturus sighed and shook his head in amusement as Legolas' smirk doubled. The two wandered the Halls for an hour, talking about various subjects to get to know each mother more before they were called to start the patrol. Legolas had his own team to lead and Arcturus had his so they had to separate.

Arcturus found Tauriel, his best and only friend in Mirkwood. The rest of his friends lived in Imladris or Lothlorien.

Tauriel seemed like she was already prepared for patrol, her quiver was full, her armour was on and she had everything in her satchels and sheaths.

"Look who finally decided to show up." Tauriel joked, throwing Arcturus extra arrows. Arcturus shook his head as he carefully placed all the arrows inside his half-full quiver.

"I was talking with Prince Legolas." Arcturus shot Tauriel a smile before leading the group out of the Halls and into the forest, where they met up with Legolas' team.

"Hello, Arcturus." Legolas grinned, shooting the elf a mischievous look.

"I thought you said we were early."

"We were. Our talk made us late."

Arcturus rolled his eyes. He'd only just met the prince and he was already making him late for important things.

"Come on, if we find a nest on the way, we have to destroy it so no unfortunate souls have to face them." Legolas grabbed Arcturus's arm lightly and led him in the northern direction. Arcturus gestured for his team to follow them.

The group did in fact run into a rather large spider nest. They began to fight it off, still looking for the dwarves. Arcturus heard shouting from a distance and left Tauriel to kill the last spider in their area.

Arcturus jumped from tree to tree like in his training before swinging down using a web, he noticed Legolas sliding under a spider, slicing it from underneath before pointing his armed bow at the company of dwarves.