I know where I want to take this, but I'm having so much trouble with the next part that I decided to post what I already have and get people's opinion first.


Sniff… Sniff…Sniiiif.

"Do you smell that?" Pippin spoke up from the back of the line.

They had only been on the road for two weeks, and this day was the first day the sun had shone bright enough in the sky to warm their faces. The weather had been harsh since their depart from Rivendell, and the company had started to fear the blasting winds and rains would never end.

At first, everyone was too engrossed in their own conversations to notice, so Pippin cleared his throat and tried again.

"Gaa.. What is that smell?" The young hobbit stopped in place and placed his hand over his nose.

By this time, the rest of the fellowship had turned around to look at him.

"I smell it too!" Merry said beside him, also bringing his hand up to his nose.

Soon, one after the other, the whole group took notice of the foul smell.

"Ack, what is it?" Said Gimli, his voice muffled from behind a cloth.

Aragorn started to sniff the air, first here, then over there. Finally, eyes wide, he announced,

"I believe..it is us!"

After the embarrassing revelation, a place was quickly decided upon to bathe. A clear stream wound just south of their path, and was deep enough to take a dip.

As everyone stripped down to their bare underclothes and jumped in, one stayed behind.

"C'mon Legolas!" Frodo cried. "The water feels fine!" Legolas stood at the bank of the stream, looking longingly into the cool currents, wishing he could join the others. But that would force him to…

No. The blond prince squeezed his eyes shut, clenching his fists. He just couldn't do it. Instead he forced a charming smile and answered,

"I believe I'll simply sunbathe today, Frodo. The rest from this arduous trek is refreshing enough."

Shrugging, Frodo turned and dunked himself under the water.

"That's right, Elf! Stay there!" Gimli called from his perch on a mossy rock protruding from the stream.

"We all know elves cleanse themselves with the light of the sun!"

"And Dwarves bathe by beating themselves with river stones!" Legolas shot back his answer angrily, pivoting on his heel and stalking away.

Laughing heartily, pleased with himself, Gimli proceeded to kick water on an unsuspecting Boromir. Boromir, in turn, cupped a handful of water at the stout dwarf.

Just as the surprised cry of a dwarf being pulled into stream by his ankle reached his ears, Legolas reached the path. Sitting down swiftly and bringing his knees up to his chest, he tried to ignore the burning embarrassment within him.

He couldn't tell them. They couldn't find out.


So what do you think? Should I struggle onward through the writer's block? What's wrong with Leggie? You should go ahead and review and tell me these things.