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Finally got it done, very very short, but that's okay because the next chapter is coming very soon, so I will appease you then :) I should be updating a bit more regularly now, but I'll let you know if there is a

significant gap. Excuse me if there are any spelling mistakes, I can't English today :D

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Aragorn couldn't help but ponder the words his drunken friend had said to him near a week previously. "Let's not count on the news tomorrow brings us." True it was that no such news had arrived the day

following the celebrations, nor the day after that. In fact, Edoras had received no contact from anyone: which was both a blessing and a curse. The world outside Rohan's barriers had fallen quiet, both on the

sides of allies and foes, and Aragorn couldn't help but fear the worst. Days went by and everyone seemed to be on edge, even King Theoden, who had called upon Aragorn to talk over their course of action.

Theoden had called to go for a ride through a neighbouring forest, and though he didn't feel much in the mood, Aragorn felt it disrespectful to decline. The pair set off at sunhigh, Snowmane and Brego were

pleased to be released from their stuffy stalls and out onto the rolling plains of Rohan.

As they entered the forest, they were greeted by shimmering patterns of light cast on the ground; the autumn sun had slunk her way past the ever-guarding leaves and branches to seek refuge below the

feet of nature. This camoflauge of the forest reminded Aragorn very much of a home he had left behind- the forests of the north where he had travelled for so many years.

'Gondor has been ever so quiet, don't you think?' Theoden began after what seemed eons of silence.

'I don't doubt they have their own rivalries to face.'

The king pursed his lips, as it was not the answer he had been looking for. He himself wasn't too used to being contradicted, but only Aragorn and the other remaining members of the fellowship had ever

dared to do so.

'I would not have told you this, but your beliefs on certain matters are very dear to me.'

'How so My Lord?' He said lightly, though not disregarding Theoden's newfound adulation.

'You are to be a king one day, and you somehow bear the command and conduct required by such a leader without any prior experience, how is that?'

'I'm not entirely sure, why do you ask?'

Theoden sighed, a crestfallen despair plastered across his face as his posture lowered marginally, 'I have lost my son, and he was to be king after I.'

'You have many years left in you yet, king.' Aragorn replied, almost choking on his laugh. He bashfully let his expression fade when he saw Theoden further shake his head.

'I do not believe as brightly as you. As you said, war is upon us…'

They rode again is silence for a moment, alternating under shade and light as they passed quietly under the trees.

'Do you doubt your survival My Lord?'

'It is a concern all monarchs must carry, but my main worry is for Eowyn.'

Aragorn didn't ask anything, but instead let the man continue at his own pace.

'She has not grown to expect the crown, and although I don't doubt her strength, it is my duty to worry.'

Again, the two let the question sit in the air, before Theoden abruptly continued, 'Would you take her hand in marriage?'

Aragorn brought his horse to an equally sudden halt (a disconcerting whinny from Brego) and his expression was aghast as if a branch had hit him in the face, his heart rattling through his chest. Theoden,

meanwhile, let out a chorus of laughter, urging his horse to stop too.

'Nay, nay, I am jesting. It would be a lie to say she has not grown fond of you though, I hope that you will guide her in the years to come.'

Aragorn nodded, internally wiping sweat from his brow, 'I'll do the best I can.'

The king returned the condolence, bowing his head briefly as the continued their journey, 'What of your marriage anyway?'

Aragorn had hoped he wouldn't continue the conversation down that path, but responded in the way he was used to.

'My heart already belongs to one, My Lord, but I am not to be married any time soon.'

'I have heard- of elvenkind?'

Aragorn knew for certain that was true, but the topic had somewhat become a dilemma for him over the last few months. He and the King of Rohan were not speaking of the same person, but he decided a

swift nod would suffice for now. His personal troubles would have to wait for later. Theoden went on to make some remarks about elves, which he, like any other Rohirrim, did not know much about. Rohan

had not had many encounters with elves, only rumours about Lothlorien. Even so, Aragorn believed that the first elf any of them had actually met was Legolas. However, he was in Aragorn's self-promised

category of "not to be thought about at the moment." So he moved the conversation back to Theoden's concerns.

'Excuse my brashness My Lord, but you hold too little faith in Eowyn, she is far stronger than you think.' He said, smiling gently as they both turned their horses to make the journey back.

'Yes, I believe you are right.' Theoden admitted, nodding as he held his reins a little more confidently.

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The sun was well on her way to the horizon by the time they returned to the stables, Aragorn spotted Legolas untacking Arod- he too had evidently been for a ride. He was the last person the ranger wanted

to meet. Their conversation at the celebration had not ended well, and Aragorn was not keen to attempt to rub salve on the tumor- the best approach, obviously, was to completely ignore the elf. Though as

they stood beside each other, the silence became a little awkward.

'How is Gimli?' Aragorn asked, immediately kicking himself because he knew he didn't care, and it was a pathetic question.

'Oh he is well, very interesting company.'

He was surprised that Legolas didn't seem to notice the forceful attempt at socialising, and even continued the conversation.

'Tomorrow, I was planning to show him a lake I found not far from here. It would be nice of you to join us, if you are not doing anything more important.'

They almost simultaneously turned to exit the stables as Aragorn replied, 'Yes, that would be welcome, I will see you then.'

The two bade each other a quick farewell and Aragorn headed out towards his lodgings, before realising that Legolas was at his side. They were heading the same way. Of course.

'This is a bit-' Awkward. Aragorn filled in the last word in his mind, caught off-guard by Legolas' puzzled gaze. He didn't seem to think that walking in the same direction as another after saying goodbye was

uncomfortable- probably the more logical approach. The ranger thought that it must be addressed, so he cleared his throat and continued.

'I would like to apologise for blatantly avoiding you since our last uh- conversation.'

'Our last conversation? Were you avoiding me?'

Aragorn regretfully tried to explain the events the best he could. Fortunately, the elf caught on mid-way.

'You live so long but forget so easily,' Aragorn said, rolling his eyes as he smiled, 'it's very strange.'

Legolas let out a uncharacteristically inelegant snort, smiling too.

'I will no longer believe anyone who says my kind are strange, for humans are far stranger, so I have learnt.'

'Oh yes, how is that going?'

Legolas frowned, trying to piece his thoughts together. Aragorn supposed that learning the ways of mankind had been difficult for both Legolas and Gimli, and now regretted leaving them to wander Edoras

aimlessly for the past few days

'I just do not understand- you constantly do things which are bad for you, like smoking that awful pipeweed for one. What I understand less is that you favour one hand over another? Refuse to write and

wield weapons in the other?'

'Welcome to the human race I guess?'

They both shared joy for the first time in a while, Aragorn admiring Legolas' pearly laughter. But within a second, he found himself holding the elf's arm after one of his ankles buckled, accompanied by

coughing.

'What's wrong? Are you alright?'

'I still face some symptoms of my recent ailment,' Legolas smiled up at Aragorn reassuringly, waving an elegant hand, 'I am fine.' He readjusted his footing and continued walking as if nothing happened.

'It was a little more than an ailment.' Aragorn said quietly, unsure if his friend had heard, catching up to him just after.

'We'll set off mid-morning, Gimli claims that is early enough for him.' Legolas said, changing the subject before smiling and retreating into the building he had been allocated.

Before he could say anything, Aragorn admitted defeat and he too turned in for the day.

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Ambidextrous elves, Hope you liked it! Drama is looming :]