-1Sorry this took a few days, I have been trying to improve the story a little. The chapters may be short still, but they're getting longer. Thanks for all the helpful reviews so far, glad you guys are reading.

Goheno nin - Forgive me

Mellon-nin - My friend

2. You Shouldn't Protect Him

"Mr. Took and I shall be riding for Gondor at first light," Gandalf said, looking at Pippin. "And perhaps teach him some responsibility along the way."

Pippin wiped away tears and Gandalf resumed his spot on his cot. Pippin looked up once more at Merry.

Merry frowned and shook his head. "Fool," he muttered, walking away.

Pippin whimpered again, and Legolas placed an arm around him. "Come, Pippin," he whispered, standing up. "Perhaps we should relieve you of some of this tension." He quickly led Pippin out the door and into the hall. He spotted Eowyn. "My lady."

Eowyn turned and smiled. "You are up late. My friends." She noticed Pippin had been crying. "My dear Pippin, something troubles you?"

Legolas patted Pippin's shoulder. "He's…had a rough night."

Eowyn nodded and took Pippin by the arm. "Come with me, I would like to show you something in the stables that should cheer you up." She led a sulking Pippin away from Legolas and down the hall.

Legolas sighed and watched them walk down the hall. I hope Pippin was not terribly hurt by their judgments.

"You really should not be so understanding of him," a voice from behind said.

Legolas turned to face Aragorn. "Mellon-nin, what do you mean?"

"He should know better, Gandalf told him not to look. You should not protect him."

Legolas frowned. "You have changed, Estel. Is it not my duty to protect those I care for? It was a mistake, curiosity can get the best of men."

Aragorn stepped closer to Legolas. "You don't understand, Legolas. You should not protect Pippin form his mistakes, he'll never learn."

Legolas narrowed his eyes. "And let him wallow in grief? That's absurd, Aragorn! I only wish to help him, everyone else seems to think of him as a fool-"

"It was a fool's mistake!" Aragorn interrupted. "And I would hope that you would not be so foolish about it either!"

Legolas frowned, and Aragorn could clearly see that the insult had hurt him. Legolas backed up towards the door. "If you should not mind, I am going to check on Pippin." He turned his back on Aragorn and walked down the hall.

Aragorn sighed. He had not meant to call Legolas a fool, he was his best friend. "Legolas," he called out. "Mellon-nin, wait." He sighed, realizing that Legolas was already out the door. "Goheno nin."

TBC

R&R, please! I promise the chapters will start getting longer!