Author's Note: It seems a lot of people liked my last chapter, thank you very much for all the wonderful reviews! I do not have a sequel to "Aftermath" at the moment, but as so many of you wanted one I will write it if I manage to catch a suitable plot bunny. ;-)
In the meantime, here's a new short update, highlighting yet another aspect of the friendship between our favourite elf and ranger. Enjoy, and tell me how you liked it:)
Title: Changes
Author: Silivren Tinu
Beta: the wonderful Imbecamiel ((hugs))
Rating: K+
Summary: Legolas has an unexpected encounter on his way to Rivendell. Written for Prompt #23 "Stranger" in the Aragorn Angst yahoo group.
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters in this story, and I still haven't managed to convince anyone that I'm related to Tolkien...
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Changes
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The man standing in front of him was a stranger. He had never truly understood how a few years could change so much in the world of men, but now the power of time had become obvious to him for the first time. A boy had turned into a man, a slim body into a broad-shouldered, muscled one, and fine elvish garments had been exchanged for practical, worn-out ranger clothes.
Half of the face in front of him was hidden by a hood, but he could see that there were lines in it that had not been there before, and the skin was tanned from long times spent outside in the sun and the wind. One of the man's hands was on the hilt of his sword, an unconscious gesture that spoke of a life filled with dangers, and his stance was both watchful and confident.
This man was an experienced warrior, his skill perhaps equal to his own. Legolas dismounted from his horse, stepping in front of the man who was blocking his path. The elf opened his mouth, ready to address the man, and hesitated. "What shall I call you?" he asked finally.
"Some call me Strider," a familiar voice answered. "Others call me Longshanks. But for you…" he raised his hands and pushed the hood of his cloak back, "…I will always be Estel."
The eyes were the same he had always known, and they were filled with the pleasure of seeing a dear friend again. Looking closer, he discovered more and more traces of the child and young man he had known in the weathered face.
"I am sorry," the man said, gazing steadily at him. "I did not wish to startle you. I could not wait to see you, so I decided to come and meet you on the way instead of waiting in Rivendell."
The man smiled, and the warmth and joy in his eyes made Legolas understand that there had never been a stranger, but only a friend, who might look different to the eyes, but not to the heart. He smiled back at his friend, and the man stepped forward and embraced him.
"It has been too long," he murmured.
"Much too long," Legolas agreed. After a moment, the elf took a step back, not letting go of the man's arms, and studied the figure in front of him.
"You have grown, Estel," he said with a warm smile.
- The End -
I'll post some gapfillers in "Facets of Friendship" next, if I don't decide to update "Dawn of Friendship" first. ;-) I hope to see you again next week,
Take care,
Tinu :)