Note: Sorry for the very long delay! I was.out of sorts for a while, I suppose you could say. But I'm back, with three new chapters, and more ideas for the next few. Also, someone left a review saying that Leggo has blue eyes. I've read the books, and no where does it mention eye, or even hair color. Unless I am sorely mistaken that is. If I'm wrong, feel free to quote the exact paragraph that says he has blue eyes, and I will go back and change it, and personally credit you with being a genius. If you can't find where it says that, well, shut up. I like green eyes. That is all, except that the characters don't belong to me, but I think you all knew that.



It was late the next morning that the cart rolled into the next town. When they had first returned to the cart after their adventure at the stream, Aragorn had pushed the horse to move more quickly than its usual sedate pace, and so they had made good time, arriving two days earlier than expected. During the ride, Legolas had calmly worked to restock his collection of saleable goods. He was trying to earn enough for a new bow, after all.

Much like in the last town, people crowded around them as they set up the table and placed the goods upon it. Legolas noted with some amusement that more women were making passes at Aragorn now that he was properly cleaned. The young human seemed not to notice.

As this town was smaller, the profits weren't as high as last time, but that had been expected. Once again they traded wine for a room, made use of the bathing facilities, and settled into a shared bed.

They stared at the ceiling for a while, when Legolas broke the silence. "Were those clothes that you washed at the stream the only ones you have?" he asked.

Aragorn pulled the blankets more snugly about him and replied, "Yes. Why?"

A soft snort came from the direction of his friend. "Honestly. I would have expected a wandering prince to have more elaborate clothing than that!"

"Wa- How? How did you know who I was?"

The Elf chuckled and propped himself up with an arm so he could see the startled look on his friends face. "Not all that many men are named Aragorn, you know. I may be an Elf, but I am also a prince, and as such, I have a thorough knowledge of the royal families of other kingdoms, especially of large and important ones, like Gondor."

"Why didn't you say anything before?"

"It didn't seem important."

"Why does it now?"

"Well, you're going to Rivendell to impress an Elven maiden. I had just assumed that you would have some nice clothing to wear once you got there. When I saw all of the clothing you washed in that stream, I realized I may have been wrong."

For the first time since he had packed and snuck out of his window, Aragorn realized his folly. "Oh no! How am I supposed to impress her, and her father, in these clothes?"

Dimly he could see Legolas' smile. "Don't worry. We're ahead of schedule and there are some excellent tailors in this town, despite its small size. We'll stay here tomorrow and get you some more appropriate clothes."

"I don't have any money."

"I know, but I do. More money than I usually earn on these trips, thanks to you. I can afford to get you a nice outfit or two. Actually, it would be my pleasure."

Knowing better than to look a gift horse in the mouth, Aragorn merely murmured, "Thank you."

Visions of striding into Rivendell in regal finery and sweeping his impressed Love off of her feet danced across his mind as he fell asleep.