The Sixth Trial of Single Combat

[Legolas]

Legolas dove forward, falling under Doren as the opponent came down on both feet, his sword swung high.

Legolas took his time with the warrior, not caring to rush into some stupid mistake. This man knew his ropes, and he wasn't going to take any more chances than necessary.

Legolas stepped back after rising from the ground, giving Doren the next move.

[Alcorad]

Doren grinned as he slumped to the ground. He then turned running around to the side. It appeared the he was going to run around Legolas swiftly and strike when he least expected it. He could feel the many watchful eyes but the only eyes that mattered were those that belonged to his opponent. As he made his way around the prepared arena, he quickly ducked down and rose up once more as he continued his run with the familiar feeling of his dagger in his hand. As his pace quickened he preformed another leap into the air and held his sword firm as he had before while holding his legs outward towards his opponent and bracing himself for impact.

[Legolas]

Legolas watched Doren go sailing through the air, heading downward with temendous speed.

Legolas waited till the last possible moment, when he would be able to cross up his opponent most easily. At that second, he beneath Doren's legs, bringing his knives up as he fell to attempt to hit Doren where he was most exposed...

[Alcorad]

Doren grinned and as Legolas swiped his swords upward he thrust his own down in a side slash to over power his smaller blades and parry at them from the side. As his sword made impact with the first twin sword, Doren threw his dagger down at the elf waiting for a reaction. Legolas thrusted his second blade further up and Doren used the force as a surface to propel himself from. As he kicked from the blade his leg moved against the deflected sword. The impact against his steel greaves caused him to toppled to the ground without grace. As he cleared his thoughts and brushed the dirt of himself he noticed a familiar figure become clear near him and looked closely to see if his blade had met it's mark.

[Legolas]

Legolas grimaced immediately from the dagger as it was sent home, lodging near his shoulder. The pain was unbearable. To feel the steel stuck in his arm, not making things anymore confortable. Between the dagger and the two arrows still stuck in his arm, Legolas could already tell he would be in the healing ward for some time after this battle. He'd had enough for one day. This man had proven himself assuredly.

Legolas dropped his left blade, and lifted his second blade in his right hand in a salute to the opponent as he made his way across the field. He sheathed his knife, shaking Doren's hand. "The match is yours friend. I doubt my limbs will allow anymore pain..." Legolas glanced down at his arm, motioning to the dagger. "I'll try to get your weapon back to you, as soon as the healers can remove it in the best way."

[Alcorad]

"I am honored to have fought such a warrior. I hope that I shall meet such a challenge once more." Doren bowed to Legolas smiling broadly behind his mask. He weakly clapped his hand on the elf's back and turned towards the crowd watching them rise to see if the match was truly over.

Whisperes were heard amongst the many spectators glances were directed towards Aragorn who would be the one to give the final verdict.

[Envin]

Aragorn vaulted the barrier and walked onto the field, and first went to Legolas to be certain that he was sound. Legolas smiled and assured him such, and Aragorn clapped the back of the good, steadfast elf. Then he turned, and extending his hand to Ilius he said:

"A noble, well-fought struggle, my friend. Noble and well-fought. But we have no knowledge of thee and thy face hidden 'neath thy mask. Reveal to us then, thy name, and we shall applaud thee all the more."

[Alcorad]

Doren smiled. He rather liked the sanctity that his mask gave him and therefore he shook his head. He would not reveal himself that day. Not until he was sure it was the right time. "When the time comes in this trial I shall reveal my face. Until then none may know my identity. Truth be known I rather like this mask. It allows me to act in wichever way I wish without the awkward stares of old comrades." Doren laughed as he bowed to Lord Aragorn and then turned to face the crowd.

[Envin]

Aragorn smiled from out the corner of his mouth, and his eye twinkled, for he thought that perhaps the voice beneath that mask sounded as one which he had heard afore. And then there was that style of fighting which recalled a one which he had seen in the forests about Rivendell when the Ring had yet to be found, one of a man many years his junior, that he had teased about his age...

Then he smiled broadly with a grin upon his whole mouth, and he clapped Ilius upon the back and inclining his head to the right he said this:

"Then, young one, we shall await the revelation of the truth upon thy next victory, if victory thou shalt have. For thy next foe is Lord Ashuron. Feel thou steadfast for the challenge?"

[Alcorad]

Doren grinned slightly and bowed once more. He didn't know what to say. As Aragorn departed towards the fence, Doren did also but instead of walking to meet the Queen Arwen who was seated above all others, he made his way to the medical ward.