The camp was a frenzy of activity, and for once it seemed to be one of excitement rather than fear. Legolas and Gimli had been walking in one another's company around the outskirts of the temporary settlement, for the Elf was growing steadily uncomfortable in the very confined spaces, and around the never ceasing noises. Gimli had no desire to dwell amongst the men, and had much rathered spent the time with his dear friend.
Both turned their attention back towards the encampment, through the rushing bodies the Dwarf had trouble making out anything of significance.
"Well, what is you see elf?" He gruffly asked looking up to see Legoas' head tip slightly from side to side for better hearing.
"There are men I do not recognize riding up to the camp, Aragorn stands to greet them."
Gimli adjusted his grip on the axe that never left his hand, newcomers were hardly a welcome thing. Especially in days such as this.
"They bear no marks or sigals, and fly no flags. Yet Aragorn appears joyful and no swords are raised." The Elf paused in a brief thought, "One might wonder if perhaps the Dunedain have rallied to their chieftain one last time, they appear sufficiently weathered to be them"
"Do you think it's the Dunedain then, or not?"
The elf smiled down at his grumpy companion, his ire was becoming a form of comfort. "I do not think we have cause for worry, my friend"
"But does he answer the question?" Gimli asked nobody in particular and started his purposeful strides to investigate the happenings.
"No" He answered himself, glaring behind briefly at Legolas who merely laughed and followed.
Men began to cut a path for them, recognizing them well. They were the only Elf and Dwarf present, and their deeds were great and well known. The pair of them, especially together, were hard to forget.
Gimli's ears barely picked up the long, loud, whistle that rang in the air. But Legolas' own had heard it so clearly it might have come from right in front of him, and immediately began to run.
"Aragorn calls for me!" He shouted at Gimli, who was attempting to keep up with the Elf longer and slightly faster legs, who was whistling just as loud in response.
Unable to resist himself Legolas called back once more, "I suppose it is a good thing Dwarfs are very dangerous over short distances, isn't it?"
Gimli said nothing in return but the Elf could feel the stare between his shoulder blades.
It did not take the two of them more than a minute to run to the gate where the strangers had appeared. Ahead of them, a large group of Rohan's men crowded the newcomers, with Aragorn and Theoden within the circle talking merrily.
The King was talking to a weathered and somewhat aged man Legolas recognised as Halbarad. The older man had been a close friend to Arathorn, Aragorn's father. And as such had become a guide and teacher to Aragorn, helping him adjust to his new life amongst the Dunadian and leaving Elrond and his brothers behind.
It was who Aragorn was talking to, that surprised Legolas. Two nearly identical figures were before him, long black hair and grey eyes. With the same concerned expressions as the both looked their brother up and down, one the front of him, and one the back of him.
"Legolas!" One of them cried when they spied his approach. The blond elf quickened his steps as the dwarf slowed his own, and nearly collided with the dark haired elf. The two hugged fiercely, when they broke apart the other stepped forward for an equally exuberant embrace.
"I have something for you." Elladan murmured to the prince in elvish to keep any prying ears from listening, pulling him to the side as they broke apart. "On our way we made a detour, Ada asked us to bring some healing supplies to your home. Here"
Carefully the elder of the twins pulled a roll of leather meant to keep papers dry, from a pocket deep within his layers. With shaking hands Legolas took it, and glanced up with fear in his pale blue eyes. News from his home could mean anything, for all he knew this was a letter telling him of his father's death, or news that he had been too late to save Greenwood. That it had all burned to the ground, with few survivors.
He looked back down at the leather in his hands, afraid for a moment to open it.
"Legolas," Elladan began, putting gentle hands on either side of the others face and tipping it up to look into his eyes, "When I left your home just a few weeks ago, it still stood. Your father was as stubborn and fearsome as usual. Do not fear the words you hold in your hands, for I believe they are the words you will need in the coming days."
Legolas nodded, breaking away and nudging Elladan back towards Aragorn. The older twin understood the Prince's hint, and easily slipped back with his brothers. Keeping half an eye on the prince as he swiftly retreated back towards the dwarf.
"What's that?" Gimli asked, falling back into step with Legolas who appeared to be searching for something rather frantically.
"It's a letter, I think. A letter from home" He spotted what he wanted, a small opening that opened up to the edge of the camp once more. The elf quickly made his way across the small field that separated him from the tree's on the other side. Reaching them, he lept easily up and into the branches of the tree, leaving Gimli looking up at him with worry.
He set the leather upon his lap for a moment, and ran his hands over his face. The excitement he felt was nearly unbearable, but so was his fear. No matter what the words held, he knew he would not be able to resist opening them.
It was best to do it now, so if it was bad new he would at least have some semblance of privacy for his grief. And most of the others would have thoughts elsewhere, and he would have some time.
He took a deep breath in, then out, and untied the cord that kept the leather sealed around the paper. It fell open easily, revealing the hand writing he had been unknowingly praying to see.
It was messier than usual, and traces of smoke could be smelt from the paper, but his heart leapt with joy nonetheless. Taking another deep and steadying breath, he read her words.
My Beloved Legolas,
There is nothing but hope in my heart as i write this letter to you, some fear for your fate, but I do not. You have yet to break a promise to me, and I know you will not break one now.
Our home still stands, and I will ensure that it stays that way until your return. Know that my love and my will are with you through every step, even as I wish you were here with me now instead.
This war, and this darkness is almost over. I am sure of it. Do not lose heart, my Greenleaf.
I will see you soon, even if we both must crawl.
With all my love,
Avalein
...
Thanks for reading!
