Imperfections
Characters: Aragorn, Legolas
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Legolas reflects on Aragorn and how Men differ from Elves.
I have spent all day walking behind you, looking at you, watching you. You face looks rugged and worn out. You haven't slept in weeks. Don't think I haven't noticed. You keep all of us going in the light of the day, doing what you have to do. But by the light of the moon I have seen you break down.
You peel off Frodo's shirt and tunic, and then you gently strip him of his mithril armour. I watch your fingers as they gently run across his body. I could spend days, weeks, months just watching you doing things with your hands. Healing the hobbit. Balancing a sword. Lighting a fire. Your fingers probe the wounds now, you ruffle your bags for athelas. The moment your hands touch his skin and apply the plant, he relaxes and breathes out softly. The pain is gone.
How I wished I were him.
How I longed to feel those fingers on my skin.
How I wished I could kiss you like Sam kisses him.
I have known love long before I met you. You are so different from her, and yet so close to me. Elves care for nothing but themselves, their own race. We are not touched by illnesses, ill weathers, or death. You are so vulnerable. You could be gone any minute. Like the hobbit, if he had not worn his mithril armour. Like Boromir. I only begin to understand now, gradually, how precious you really are. How fast I could lose you. When I saw you weeping over his body, I felt this was beyond me. It still confuses me that you men die so rapidly. I might be talking to you in one second, and the next you might be gone. And you would never have known how much I love you.
And yet I keep quiet. I have not dared touch you, or confront you. Troubling you with my emotions is something I feel I cannot inflict on you. You are so easily affected by things that happen around you, things other people do. I have walked with you for a long time now, and I still feel I know so little about you. I am afraid to tell you what I feel because I fear what might happen if I do. You might run away from me, or ask me to leave.
Or, worse, you could give in to me.
So I remain silent and hope for one faraway day when I can hold you.
When I can bathe the wounds your body and soul take eevry day of this journey.
When I can smoothe the lines in your face, and make you smile.
Until then I will stay by your side, and protect your life with all the strength and skill that is given to me. I will not give you up.
I will remain, and keep silent.