What are Knuckles For?
I am here again introducing a new story! Please comment and enjoy!
Chapter 1
"Seriously, mellon nín? You have never hit anyone before?" choked the man; mirth was obvious on his voice.
"What do you mean, Estel?" said the half amused elf.
He and Aragorn were in a camp together with the other Dúnedain for some days now. It had been a surprise for the rangers when both friends appeared some night ago announcing their willful plan of help. Halbarad, who was Aragon's second in command, was not very happy for he sent his young captain back to Imladris to shun him from the upcoming dealings with other group of men only to return days after with his elf friend for a companion. Halbarad had nothing against the race of Elves for he was fond of them as well, but having an elf close by when they are dealing with the other uncaring men was disturbing.
Today he tried coaxing Aragorn to go and have a hunting trip with the Elf Prince because the other men were due to arrive later but Isildur's heir was adamant. He would not listen for he was quite sure that if they go hunting now, the chance of them meeting trouble than they ask for was big, especially how he and Legolas seem to attract trouble.
"Let us be here and help with the meetings, my great man, Halbarad!" said Aragorn awhile ago, tapping his second-in-comman on the shoulder and walking away cheerfully.
Halbarad grimaced and the Elf Prince standing nearby felt a pang of pity for him.
"Forgive us for distracting you too much, Halbarad," he told the man softly as he watched his friend roam around like an excited five years old, "Elladan and Elrohir were on a hunting trip when he got back so he was a bit disappointed not having to meet them for sometime."
"Aye, my Prince," said Halbarad sighing, "But I do not want him to be burdened of the troubles here created by his own race."
"Aragorn would likely disagree with you," said Legolas sadly, his thoughts on his friend, "He would rather face all the problems one by one if it means saving his own kind."
With that, Halbarad inclined his head in defeat and the Elf swiftly followed his best friend who was watching a man-hand-spar a few strides away. They were using their hands in fighting each other off and the Elf couldn't help but to comment.
"That's got to be painful."
Aragorn looked sideways to his friend with raised eyebrows,
"The agony you have experienced is much more than from a fist, mellon nín,"
"Aye, but I have never used my bare hands to fight before," admitted the Elf, "It's always in with bow or my twin sword that their lives would end."
Aragorn choked.
"But what are your knuckles for?" he exclaimed in disbelief,
"Knuckles?" inquired the Elf frowning.
It was in this situation that the man was heard exclaiming his thoughts,
"Seriously, mellon nín? You have never hit anyone before?"
"What do you mean, Estel?"
Aragorn looked at the elf with a mild interest.
"Give me your hand," he commanded lightly and the elf complied swiftly.
Aragorn reached for the elven hands. He felt the tender skin of his friend as he held it and had to admit that the hands should never be used in a man-to-man battle. He himself would never allow it.
Someone nearby cleared a throat and both friends were flabbergasted to see Halbarad almost upon them with a surprise expression on his face.
"It is shocking to see you both off your guards," he admitted bowing slowly. His eyes caught the clasped hands and he grinned knowingly.
"Promising undying love, are we now?" he jested.
"Aye Halbarad," said Aragorn giving him a mischievous smile, "Did you know that my first encounter with this elf was spectacular? I thought he was a 'she' elf and insisted on marrying him,"
"You jest, Aragorn," said Legolas, rolling his eyes, "Our first encounter was when you were two and was ever drowning on that fountain in the garden. When we asked how you ended up there you reasoned that you were just 'practicing' the art of swimming so that you can join your brothers' trip to the raging waters."
Aragorn shot him a look,
"Honesty kills me, mellon nín," he said.
Halbarad laughed earnestly. By the time he caught himself, he informed them his need to leave at once to deal with the other group of men on the way.
Aragorn was much distracted by the elf that he forgot his stubbornness to jump up and come with the party to which Halbarad was grateful.
"I do not see the need of using my 'knuckles' to fend off enemies," said Legolas thoughtfully after awhile, "From a distant I always make sure their death is certain."
"Aye, I remember," said Aragorn nodding, "and if they get near enough I was always the one doing the nasty job of fending them off by my fists,"
Legolas laughed.
"It suits you best,"
"True," nodded the ranger again. "But one day I'd like to see your flying fist, mellon nín,"
It was a lie for the ranger believed that an Elf's hand should never be use disgracefully.
"That you will not see me do, adan," responded the Elf.
~TBC~