A/N: It seems like my plot bunnies and beavers have decided to work against me in many ways. BUT I SHALL PREVAIL! This is a Tenth Walker one shot. I hope you won't hold it against me xD The phrase Caerien is supposed to be in Rohirric but I think I failed horribly xD It means I love you, my dearest. I hope xD
The woman of small stature was seated in front of the small fire and watched the flames slowly die out. Her right hand was resting on the hilt of her trusted sword as she stared. Her dark red hair was like blood from her head to the middle of her back, curled in thight ringlets.
She never imagined to be one of the brave Fellowship, always thinking herself too weak and cowardly despite her provess. She never expected to find friendship among the male population even though she acted like one most of the time. Her heart ached from the losses of their friends: Gandalf, that cryptic wizard who was the source of comfort and hope; Boromir, a Man who fell under the rings spell the moment his eyes landed on the acursed gold but still had time to fence with the Hobbits; Merry and Pippin, the jokers, were taken away from under their noses.
"You shoul rest now, Caerien." Legolas whispered as he took a seat next to her. "You have not slept in days. Take what little time we have to sleep. It is my watch, not yours."
"I cannot, Legolas."
"You are troubled."
"Are you not?" Caerien's voice was a soft whisper carried to Legolas' ears on the breeze and her eyes dark when they stared into his. "Be honest."
"I am... Troubled but I am yet to lose hope."
Caerien placed her hand around Legolas' shoulders, ignoring the way he stiffened underneath her arm. She lowered her head to rest against his shoulder, smiling when his arm went around her lower back, fingers landing lightly on her hip. Caerien closed her eyes and heard Legolas murmur something in Elvish before his lips brushed her forehead. They were soft and warm, light as a feather. Caerien opened her eyes when Legolas moved and looked him in the eyes, those eyes that remind her of clear summer sky.
"I am afraid, Legolas." She muttered, not breaking their eye contact. "So very afraid."
"I shall protect you."
"I am not afraid for me but for you."
"You do not need to be, Caer." He smiled. "I promise."
"I..." Caerien started but had to stop to clear her throat. "I care for you, Legolas. More than I have ever expected to."
"Gerog i chûn nîn. (You hold my heart)" He said, voice strong and brimming with emotion. Caerien did not know what Legolas said but understood the tone in which he spoke.
"I do not want to say it in Westron, Legolas, so I will say it in the language of my mother." Caerien smiled before taking a deep breath and turning to face him better, her hand on one of his cheeks. "Iċ lufie þē, min se leofesta."
Legolas closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against Caerien's. She raised her head slightly, enough to place her lips against his in a gentle kiss. It was short and soft, but spoke of everything she felt for him. With that kiss, words were not needed. All that remained was hope that they will survive to have their forever.