Author's note: I'm obviously not Tolkien. Takes place after the Council of Elrond, mostly movie based, but influenced by the book and the Mellon Chronicles which I also clearly do not own. The story is based on the fact that Legolas and Aragorn have known each other for many years and have had many adventures together.

Chapter 1: New companions

Aragorn was sitting in the Hall of Fire long after all had gone to sleep. He knew the journey ahead would be long and difficult. The thought of his destiny's fast approach was stirring up nervous feelings, especially now that Boromir knew his identity. He was so lost in thought that he did not hear his friend approach and he jumped as Legolas began speaking.

"I am sorry about losing Gollum," Legolas spoke softly hanging his head in guilt.

They stood for a moment in silence imagining the troubling effects that could come from this escape.

Aragorn broke the silence, "It seems I have been a bad influence on you all these years, opening your heart to us non-elf weaklings the point to even believe in the recovery of such a creature," he smiled to let the elf know he did not hold the escape against him.

Thinking of the journey ahead of them, Aragorn changed the subject, "Well, it's you and me again I see, mellon-nin."

"Yes, but with a few more tagalongs. Did we truly have to include the dwarf?" Legolas wrinkled his nose in disgust knowing how well he and the dwarf already did not get along.

Aragorn laughed, "Proud elf, only you could have more faith in Gollum than in a dwarf with the same goal as you. Besides, we will have our hands full considering we also have 4 hobbits to look after I doubt you will have too much time to argue with Gimli."

Legolas rolled his eyes, "Yes, it seems we are in for another adventure with the hobbits especially the youngest. Do you really think it is best they come along?"

Aragorn chuckled warmly as he remembered how Merry and Pippin had forced their way into the fellowship, "Their hearts are good and their loyalty to Frodo is strong. With the job we have these qualities cannot be underestimated."

Legolas nodded acknowledging the truth in his words, "And what of our companion from Gondor?" He looked at his friend closely trying to read Aragorn's reaction to his words. He was unsure how Aragorn would feel about having another man in their group especially the steward of the kingdom Aragorn was destined to rule.

Aragorn smiled slightly, "Well he certainly knows who I am now."

Here he paused to look at Legolas who interrupted, "He was acting as if we had no right to make decisions! As if you didn't understand the problems facing Gondor as if you didn't care. You deserve his respect and he needed to know it. I am not sorry for standing up for you!" In reality Legolas did feel a bit guilty for revealing Aragorn's identity instead of letting Aragorn do it himself, but when Boromir had treated him with such disregard he hadn't been able to stop himself.

Aragorn held his hands up to calm him. Legolas quieted and asked, "Did you wish to keep it a secret?"

Aragorn sighed and moved to stand by the fire. He considered his words carefully. "I know the time is coming when I will be known to many whether I feel ready or not. However, if Boromir's reaction is an indication for the welcome I have from my own people," he hung his head, "I'm not sure what will happen. What if the people reject me? Or worse, what if I'm not strong enough to do what I am supposedly destined to do? The destiny of men falls on my shoulders, but that doesn't mean I'll succeed. What if I'm not ready?"

Legolas walked over and put his hand on Aragorn's shoulder. "Mellon-nin, I have spent enough time with you over these many years to know that you are. You lead the rangers well and without hesitation and you found a way to make the elves of Mirkwood trust you which is no easy task. What you said about softening our hearts is true, even if it led to the escape of Gollum, it has been for the best. The time is coming in this world that if we are to survive we will have to depend on each other and without you my people would not willing to be involved. As for your destiny, you need to have a little more belief in yourself. You would believe in me. Why would you not believe in yourself?"

Aragorn looked at Legolas gratefully, but couldn't help but retort quietly, "Yes, well it took nearly 30 years to convince your father to trust me, I don't have that kind of time with my people."

"Well, when the time comes, I promise to walk around with you and tell the riveting stories of your many successes and daring deeds. That will definitely convince people. I'm sure I could even get your brothers to join me," Legolas teased with a grin.

Aragorn laughed aloud, "Thank you, I will hold you to that, though I might have to make a list of stories you are actually allowed to tell people."

Legolas put his arm around his shoulder and guided them both towards the door, "Come now, you are still human and need some sleep. Our next great adventure awaits us soon."

As they arrived at Aragorn's room and Legolas continued down the hall to his, Aragorn whispered quietly not even sure if the elf could hear him, "Our journey won't be easy, but just between us, I am glad you will be with me mellon-nin."

Legolas's keen ears heard him and he smiled to himself as he opened the door to his room. "Me too," he whispered back.

Hope you enjoyed it! Possibility of other chapters—Arrival at Rivendell, before Moria, after Moria, while hunting orcs, others by request?

Not to beg for reviews, buuuuuuuuut… I'd love to know your thoughts.