Faith

Chapter One – Don't be Afraid to Feel this Way

Authors Note: So, this is a songfic, but not…I'm not too sure what a songfic is, to be honest…but basically I'm taking a song, putting the lyrics as the title of each chapter, and am dedicating the chapter towards the 'theme' of the title of the chapter, as well as including the lyric somewhere spoken (or implied) in the story. There is no order this is to be read in…just random little chapters to a song. It won't necessarily flow story wise… I own neither song nor characters. I merely had inspiration to combine them together.

Song: Faith, by Celine Dion

Story and Characters: Lord of the Rings; Legolas and Aragorn (Friend fic, No slash)

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It was a crisp and clear early autumn evening when a riding procession made its way through the High Pass. Silence filled the riders as they proceeded through the mountains, following the beaten down and old trail as they continued onward to their destination. Their plight was long with many tests and trials, with each and every noble figure perched upon a steed holding a readiness to be in a warm home with well prepared food, soothing baths, and comfortable beds. It was this notion that drove on most of the figures in the party, their stubborn minds pushing them forward.

Towards the front of the procession, a single figure kept his head down, golden tresses falling over his shoulders, piercing blue eyes staring at a solitary length of parchment. He must have read this a hundred –nay, a thousand times for his mind could think of nothing but the letter that had been addressed to him four weeks prior. Truth be told, the Prince of Mirkwood was surprised to have been given something that seemed so…private. It was an honor, to be sure, to have received such information, for he did not think his young friend would give away anything such as this lightly. All through the trek to the Last Homely House, the elf continued to mull over any words of guidance he could offer his friend in this obvious time of need. Such things were important to anyone, no matter the species (or, a selective few species, rather), and, as his friend, it was his obligation to assist in any ways possible. No doubt Estel had sought out the Young Prince for he could not rely on the two whom the boy turned young man calls 'brothers' (for in such a time, the terminology is used lightly).

Looking up from the parchment once more, the barest of smiles lit his features, choosing to keep his eyes ahead towards their destination, rather than scanning the surrounding area. Indeed, they were out of Mirkwood and no longer had to face the troubles of the darkness that ever lurked in the realm of King Thranduil…yet that should allow no one to slack on the duties of the protection of one's self. Hence why one of the guards gave a gentle clear of their throat, alerting the Prince that, although they did not mind the loss of self previously, they had an image to upkeep for they were nearing their destination. Getting the gentle hint, the elf inwardly sighed and folded the paper away, tucking it into a safe place on his person before grabbing the reigns and shifting his body positioning. Subtle slacking slowly morphed into his usual proud stance with stiffened back, his head held high.

To the elf, it was hard to believe he was once again arriving into what he would call his 'other home'. It had taken some persuasion on his part and keen planning (along with the help, assistance, and slight deal making with those of whom and more influence) to persuade his Father King to allow him to go on the journey to the House of Elrond. Truth be told, the fair but stern Elven Lord wasn't joining his son's desire to become close companions with the Lord of Imladris. There was love obviously lost between the two, running far deeper than the Celduin itself, and it took many words, gentle pleads, and a healthy argument across the dining hall table to set up a form of a diplomatic assembly with the not-so-distant Lord.

The sound of the Bruinen's rushing waters was welcoming to their ears. The fair haired elf (one among many, to be sure) lifting himself in the stirrups slightly to get a better view of the majestic city that would soon be unveiled to them. No doubt, those who lived within the fair Elven home knew of the arrival long before the passing group arrived, for when the tree's parted and they led their horses over the length of the bridge, they were met by a very small and formal gathering. Lord Elrond stood at the front of the procession, standing tall and stoic, his features masked by years of control. His dark eyes roamed over each of the figures on horseback, watching as stable hands came and assisted the elves of Mirkwood. Behind the Lord, flanking him on either side were two common and important figures within the House of Elrond. To the left stood Erestor, Chief Counselor of Elrond, his face holding a mild form of interest, his eyes varying such emotions as amusement and slight slivers of dread. To the right of Elrond stood Glorfindel, tall and proud, embodying the power of the Maiar*. He too stood calm and strong, however his expression was light, a ghost of a smile in his eyes.

Stairs were led behind them, allowing three more figures to stand behind them a few rows up, allowing them to peer over the Lords ahead of them. In the middle stood Estel, the adopted son of Elrond, human in species yet Elven in mannerisms. Flanking him on both sides were his elder brothers (in words alone, yet not by blood), Elladan and Elrohir, of which no distinction could be seen. The three fought to hide the grins that threatened to overpower their composure (of which, they had been told they rarely had at all!).

Legolas found himself standing to the left of the elf who had been deemed 'in charge' of this trek, his sharp eyes connecting with that of Estel's, the two sharing a knowing look before trying to keep their attention on the proceedings that were going on before them. None of this was new, to be sure. Formalities were spoken and introductions given before silence rang between the two groups. Slight hostilities were felt, although certainly not among the younger beings. After a few moments Elrond spoke, his voice even and composed. "I am sure you are weary from your travels, and for this the baths are open, food shall be offered in your respective rooms, and rest is whole fully offered to you within the beds supplied.

As he was speaking, grey eyes slide over to Legolas, the term 'rest' seemingly amplified in his eyes, seeming to know full well of what the young man was thinking at this time. Years of self control seemed to slowly leak out of the elf's ears as he resisted the urge to make his face feel any warmer than it was beginning too. A weak smile filled his lips, nodding his head and mumbling his thanks along with the respective head nods of the others before they were allowed to locate where they were to be resting. His pace slackened slightly, having him fall behind the group. One of the elves from his party threw him a questioning glance, followed with an arched eyebrow before continuing onward. No, it was not in his place to question his Lord and Prince…yet no doubt the younger elf seemed a bit off of sorts whenever he entered this establishment.

When the last waver of a cloak was seen, the young elf quickly turned and entered down an opposite hallway, following its turn before walking quickly and with purpose towards the generic meeting spot. There, resting against the railing of the circular balcony stood his friend, obviously lost in thought. The elf paused in the entryway to the large and private meeting spot, watching calmly as his friend rested his forearms on the railway, his chin resting in his hands. It was odd to think that this man, growing in height and mind. It seemed like only yesterday when he was sitting a once upon a time small child in his lap, looking just as curious and confused as the young boy who was in his lap. To each other, the other was a complete anomaly. Now, the two seemed to fit together far better than any puzzle.

Taking a deep, silent breath, the elf stepped forward, a look of cheer and good will on his face. "Alas! The young babe whom I have watched grow from babe to man continues to grow thus farther! Answer me this, my friend: What does one do when thoughts of love spin 'round his head?"

The man turned his head, giving a small grin to the elf who had just arrived, relief written on his features. "Go to the advice of one's friends," came the gentle response as the two embrace, thoughts of welcome in their eyes as they looked at one another, one taking in the utter familiarity while the other absorbing the effects of change and age.

"Give me words of wisdom, mellon nin (my friend). I have been plagued by the visage of the very woman of whom I had fallen for."

The elf laughed, for two reasons. The first, being t the conflicted and helpless expression that lay within his companions' facial expression. The second reason being very quickly revealed. Arms outspread and palms out, the elf gave a gentle shrug to stress his words. "I would if I could, my friend, if only you could tell me the last pieces of the puzzle. Of whom is this maiden that has captured your heart like so?"

The human paused, looking out over the balcony, hands holding the rail, his arms out, keeping his body a good length away from the railing as if steadying his body, giving the visage that he was ready to leap at any given moment.

"…"

"…Pardon?"

"…"

"Estel, I may have conquered a general grasp of other languages, but mumbling is not within in my repertoire."

"The Lady Arwen…"

Silence weaved its way between the two, the young man looking at the balcony, the elf staring with slight surprise at his friend. A breeze stole through the open area, golden tresses swaying gently in the breeze. His eyes softened as he looked at his friend who seemed so drowned and lost in his own emotions. Silently he stole over to the figure, moving to stand next to him, giving the troubled young man the comfort of his presence. Crossing his arms, the elf rested them atop the balcony's rail, keen eyes overlooking the beautiful scene laid out ahead of them.

"What ails you, my friend? Rather than seeing relief in this confession I see you weighted down. Does the burden of keeping such things to yourself not rise off your shoulders?" The compassion in his voice was obvious, despite how soft his tone was. The words he spoke rode on the wind, lifting up to greet the color changing clouds, heading towards the westward setting sun and almost into the world beyond them. Focusing his attention on the setting sun for a few more lingering moments, the elf finally turned his attention to his ailing friend, waiting for the man beside him to speak.

"I'm frightened…" began the soft response, softer then the rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. The tone of voice of which the human spoke made the elf's heart ache as he continued to watch his friend silently. Of this, he could offer nothing of. His duty currently wasn't to speak, to offer kind words of pity or of those that would lighten the other...it was merely to listen, which was what he did indeed to do.

"I…yearn for her, Legolas," he continued slowly, picking his words carefully through his mind before filtering them through his words. "I…the moment I laid my eyes on her…" he slowly shook his head, earning a sympathetic smile from the elf next to him. "Words fail me…"

"You seem to be doing just fine, Estel," responded the elf with a smile in his voice, still keeping the calm and gentle persona.

"I'm a fool..."

"Don't be afraid to feel this way…" murmured the blond, looking off into the ever darkening song, eyes patiently awaiting the presence of the stars above. "I'm not saying I can understand your hardships or can even say that love is something I've fully experienced…" at this, the human male looked to his friend who tilted his head to the side with a faint smile. "You should know what I have to say, Estel…" he murmured gently before putting his forehead against that of his friend, blue eyes staring into grey.

"Hebo estel (Have hope). "

The young man relaxed his shoulders, closing his eyes and gathering himself while the elf took a gentle step back, giving the human some space. Stormy gray eyes peered over at his friend skeptically. "You really think me capable…?"

Legolas laughed gently, passing his friend and clasping a hand on the others shoulder. "Worry not, my friend. I have great faith in you. Now if you shall excuse me…"

Moving to pass by the other, the human turned, giving his friend an incredulous look. "To where? If you are to tell Elladan or Elrohir…" suspicion immediately filled the man as he looked to his friend, whose own facial expressions changed from earnest and caring to dry, and holding no sense of mirth.

"Estel, I have been without a proper bath or bed for quite a while. You yourself are quite lucky to have had my attention this long-" a moment of hesitation filled him as his eyes moved past Aragorn before slowly stepping past the man. "…and I do so believe that someone else wishes to speak with you. Belain na le (The Valar be with you)." Finally stepping away, the elf moved so that he was at the entrance of the hallway before glancing over his shoulder, watching as the Evenstar and Hope of Man meet in the circle.

A gentle smile slowly caressed his lips before eyes meeting to the stars. No doubt, this was going to be the start of something. The likes of which he had yet to see in his long years of life.

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Authors Note: Please review! Critique helps motivate me and helps me better myself as a writer. I'm currently in the process of reading LOTR, so if I have anything mistaken, please tell me. I got the elvish from ! I hope you enjoyed it!

Nai haryuvalyë melwa rë ~

Inwe