85 Parlay.

"Let us discuss this rationally Legolas!"

It was not often the ranger found himself on the opposite side to his friend but in this instance he could not help but voice his exasperation.

"Rationally!" The elf replied angrily "What this pompous marchwarden proposes is not in the least bit rational!"

He spat the honorific out as if it were a curse.

"Legolas!" Aragorn admonished. "There is no need to be discourteous. Haldir is only carrying out his orders.)

"Then the orders and those who made them are ridiculous!" Legolas responded angrily.

There was a hushed silence before Haldir walked slowly forwards until he stood directly before the prince, his pale blue eyes suddenly cold and hard aiming his next words at Aragorn.

"If you would remind sen hin just who are the masters of this forest," his eyes never left those of the elf before him, "and that it would behove him well to take care of his reckless tongue lest he bear the brunt of their displeasure."

"Aye, Haldir." The man replied in a conciliatory tone. "Allow me a few moments to speak with Legolas alone, if you please."

The marchwarden held his stance for a few moments before stepping back and nodding his aquiecense to the man.

"Legolas, with me," Aragorn ordered curtly. "Now!" He added as the elf did not immediately respond.

Roughly taking his friend by the arm the man hustled him a few steps away from the gaping company.

"What were you thinking!" Aragorn hissed. "We need help and shelter here! Not to mention that you have just insulted two of the most powerful elves in all of Arda!"

"I just don't…"

"I don't care what you do or don't want!" The man interrupted. "Pride be dammed. You will agree to these terms or be on your way home."

"I have said I will stay with the company." Legolas' eyes bored into those of the Ranger's but the man had had years of practice with the steely glare of his foster father and eventually the elf looked away, his shoulders slumped.

"I will do as you ask Estel," he continued firmly, "but do not expect me to like it."

"Good!" Aragon smiled. "Now let us tell Gimli the good news."

Pushing the elf before him Aragorn winked at Haldir before grinning at the rest of the group.

"It is agreed." He scanned them all before allowing his grey eyes, now sparkling with humour to rest on the dwarf.

"We will all walk blindfold." He paused briefly before adding with a chuckle. "Including the elf!"


A/N

(Sen Hin = This Child)

How could I resist a stubborn Legolas! This is one of the parts of the book that I wish PJ had not missed out. It helps to show just how much the relationship developed between Legolas and Gimli throughout their journey.

Thanks for reading.

Nyx