Another chapter!
Hopefully a longer chapter!
A longer chapter that makes sense!
A longer chapter that makes sense and actually goes somewhere with the story!
K I'll go type now...I dunno what's gunna happen yet-Help!
R/R please! But most of all enjoy!
The Fudge
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sense
~*~*~*~*~*~*
It was beginning to get too cold for the company's liking,although Merry and Pippin were still dancing about and singing songs that,when they couldn't remember a line the would make it up with totally random words.
From her place Leonae could just see the exit to the cave and with it the fact that the blizzard was quickly dying down. Until it was fully gone they would not risk sending anyone out for more wood. Wrapping her cape tighter around her she chanced a glance in the direction of Legolas,holding onto the feel of his arms around her waist hours before,he seemed to be gazing at the petite fire that Gimli had protested for,captured in his own thought. At this moment in time,if she had not advised herself against it,she would have gone over to the Prince's sitting place and have him hold her,away from the cold and dark and in the warmth of the archer's embrace. Instead all she could do was draw her knees to her chest with her cape almost cutting off her circulation and shiver uncontrollably.
Gimli had taken heed of Aragorn's warning that they would set out before dawn and got as close to the miniature fire as possible with his bedroll and fell into a peaceful slumber. Without so much as a snore or yawn the terribly weary dwarf was settled for the night,not even complaining that he had no food since the morning.
It had been Merry's turn to sing a verse of the old Shire song,but it seemed to be a few words shorter than Pip had remembered.
"You're a line short! I think you mind is slipping!" He said taunting his friend.
"What?The songs always been like that."
"No it has not," argued the Took.
"Aye it has! How could you forget?"
"I didn't. What were you thinking?
"I was thinking that my friend was a complete idiot!"
"Oh you were,were you? You great orc. Ju-"
"Orc?!" said Merry appearing to be horribly shocked and stepping closer to Pip,"Take it back" he demanded, prodding Pippin in the chest. By this point Frodo and Sam looked quite worried,as both Hobbits would refuse to back down.
"Nae,not unless you admit that the song wa-"
"The song did no-"
"Oh it didn't? Maybe not in orc language..." he said returning the prod on the chest. In reply Merry pushed the Took and again the attack was returned,but with more force. The incoherent natter from the two continued as they began grappling on the floor of the fast darkening cave. No one stopped them,as Aragorn lay dozing against a cold was,Gimli slept,Legolas thought,Leonae was very confused and Sam and Frodo new better than to get in the path of two enraged hobbits who were likely to bite,scratch,pull or kick them to death in their frenzied fight fest.
"The snow has stopped. " observed Leonae in an attempt to distract the warring halfings. Aragorn awoke from his doze at the sound of a fresh voice and looked upon the two hobbit. Merry was on his back with is hands on the two corners which held Pip's cape together and was in the middle of trying to tighten it around his neck,Pippin was on top of Merry with a clump of hair in one hand and the other attempting to loosen the Brandybuck's grip on his cape. They had stopped to see if the snow really was gone,but soon turned to see the disapproving look on the Ranger's face. Pippin jumped up and offered his hand to help Merry up.
"Hobbit bonding. " He explained to Aragorn.
"Aye." Agreed Merry,"I love our little growing moments." The two hobbits dusted each other off,but while doing so the exchanged scowls. Merry then put one arm round his friend,with the Took taking his lead,they both grinned widely at Aragorn who rolled his eyes and in one smooth motion rose from his seat and walked to where Leonea stood at the mouth of the cave looking upon the crisp whiteness and pink and lavender sunset which was now freed from the gray snow clouds.
"I shall go to the forest," she volunteered, "It is not far," Aragorn looked at her,being unsure that she should be the one to go.
"It is growing dark,go quickly are return in the same fashion."
"I'll-"Started Merry.
"Go with you." Interrupted Pippin,making the offer his own."I can carry a few extra sticks." The ranger was quite doubtful that Pippin would be any more than a burden if any orc decided to appear. He wondered if himself or Legolas would be better company,however,he decided against it as the two elves seemed to be awkward around each other and he wanted to speak of it to Legolas while the others slept of went for fire wood.
"Aye Pip," he sighed, "take the weapons with you. I do not know for what reason,but I feel as though we are being followed." With that the Took bounded up to the waiting elf with a very indignant Merry left standing behind him.
The two set off into the snow,somehow feeling it warmer than in the cave,the reason,probably that the twilight sky reflected it's mass off oranges,pinks and purples onto the miles of white powdered paradise.
"Nice view,"observed Pip,making conversation, "pity it's so cold."
"Yes," agreed Leonae still shivering, "I seem to feel it more than I should."
"Really? That must be bad,I didn't think elves felt the snow as much as hobbits,dwarves or men. Although I did notice Legolas looking paler,he was shaking quite a bit." The elfin maiden looked up at the mention of his name.
"I don't like to see him as pale as that,he's always looked great,now it's...sad," he continued, "I don't like him in that way,you know... " He was about to comment on how she was white in herself but something about her seemed strangely melancholy,but then thought better of it.
"In what way?" asked the elf.
"You know,like finding him attractive. Don't get me wrong,don't tell anyone but even I would admit that I lacked in looks compared to him," he jested,"It's strange though,how hobbits like elves so much. Do not mention it to anyone but one of us actually has a thing for Mr Mirkwood." She looked down at him,slightly confused.
"Frodo."He finished,scrunching up his nose at the strange idea. "Um...do you like him? You know. It's kind of obvious that he likes you."She looked genuinely surprised.
"Your eyes deceive you Pip. He is a Prince,I am completely plain." The halfling almost choked on his own breath.
"Plain? Are you jesting with me? "Leonae looked at him as if he had asked the strangest question she had ever heard.
"Even Legolas could not say he compared with you. Anyway,you avoid my question quite skillfully."
"You need not make me feel prouder,there is no need. And for your question? I have allowed myself to grow too fond of him,"she said blushing,"and so I have hurt myself." She was puzzled,she was revealing her thoughts most honestly to one she had not spent many years with. Pippin thought for a moment on her words.
"You should just tell him. You think yourself plain,it is a very strange thing to do.You are too harsh by far."
"The fact still remains that he is a price,and most likely already betrothed."
"His father did not even know if he would make it back alive,it would be very unfair to betroth a dead elf."
"You are very persistent are you not?"
"It is in my nature,besides Legolas would go against his father if he needed to."
"He is an elf of honor,he could not do such a thing."
"Aye,he could."
"You talk as if it is already possible,and it shall give me false hope...you are a cruel Took."she said teasingly.
"Hey."He replied attempting to seem hurt.
They reached the forest and began to gather fallen sticks and branches,talking now of trivial things,then they came upon the subject of the ring and Pippin summed up the tail although it did take some time. However,he was interrupted by a sudden movement from Leonae. She was standing tall and straight-alert to all sounds and movement. Pip dared not move incase he broke her concentration.
"Orcs." she said on shock. She grabbed the young Took's hand,both of them still grasping the fire wood,and began to run,finding that it was impossible for his short legs to keep up with her hurried long gliding strides she picked him up with some awkwardness,dropping much of her collected wood, and ran as best she could and chose to hide behind one of the thicker trees. Crouching on her haunches in their hiding place,she wrapped her cape around Pippin and held her protectively to her with her head ducked to allow the cape to cover them more thoroughly,their hearts raced wildly,minds paced and senses more alert than ever. There they waited until even Pip could hear the clanging of metal boots,though there did not seem to be many.
"I can hear only two," whispered the hobbit,barley making a noise.
"They are scouting-lesser orcs." With that they made no more sound with the Took only just breathing,though it sounded one thousand times louder in the vast emptiness. He noticed that the girl he was holding onto had skin that now felt like snow or ice as well as looked like it,he was getting the impression that she was not faring as well as she was making out to be,still he listened to the approaching beasts. They seemed to only allow their eyes to quickly scan the land and began to turn back,she found this out as she peered at the retreating orcs,until she notice one was turning and held on tighter to the hobbit,closing her eyes in prayer. One of the patrol released and arrow from his badly crafted bow,it went flying towards the silhouette of the tree against which Leonae's cape was able to camouflage quite well,on it flew until it came to pierce the flesh on the elf's shoulder. She suppressed a surprised cry and quickly caught Pippin's hand as he reached to pull out the arrow,she would not risk giving their position away. They could now hear the steps slowly but surely retreating,but still they held still,the tears threatening to descend down her cheek. When even she could no longer hear their feet she released Pippin and fell on her hands and knees,looking more angry than anything else. Pippin ran behind her and tugged at the weapon which had surprisingly not gone too far into her for him to be unable you get it out. She thanked him,then walked a little way from the tree and shot the same arrow into the tree and quickly went to pick up her fallen sticks,her strides long and hurried.
"Why did they not attack us if they knew you were there well enough to shoot at you?"
"It was luck that the arrow hit me. They were merely marking where they had been."She replied as Pip bounced after her in an attempt to catch up.
"We must return quickly,they do not know we are here but they she pass none the less."She proceeded to pick up the wood,with blood soaking her garments.."It is my own fault.."
"How could you have known they would come this way?"
"I should have heard them earlier...my senses are not as they should be."
"Are you ill?" He asked,concern rimming his words.
"I am just weary from all that has happened," she nodded. Both she and Pip knew that it was not the truth,but he would not argue with her.
She noticed a few drops of blood when she turned to look at Pippin,she walked over to it and scooped up the snow where it had landed.
"They have keener eyes that you would think,"she said wiping the melted snow on her cape.
"Will they not see the footprints?"
"It is a wise point." Taking one of the branches that was still with leaves she brushed it over the patters of their feet and distorting it. Luckily the snow still fell lightly and would become heavier before the orcs came.
"Let us away while time allows it,we should be safe in the cave for they shall follow the line of the forest and pass far enough away from us." Leonae turned to see the Took looking at the wound with worry written over his face.
"It is not deep,"she smiled weakly,"Aragorn shall have the means to heal it.Come."
!-x-x-x-x-Meanwhile-x-x-x-x-x-!
Leonae and Pippin had now disappeared from sight,therefore there was no more entertainment to be had. The companions decided that an early night was suitable for the early start ahead of them. With Legolas deep in thought,he would not sleep although it was Aragorn who was to keep watch though it was not thought that danger was nearby. He stayed sitting and waited for the rest of the company to sleep then made his way past the now almost extinguished fire and sat beside the elf who gazed at his approach.
"I see you fade," he pointed out in a dark voice,"both of you. Why do you do this?"
"I know not what you mean," was the reply,though he did not make an attempt to seem convincing.
"You spoke quite clearly of the hearts of elves,of unrequited love and that which is near and far at the same time."
"Yes,I believe that was the last time we spoke in the night."
"Indeed. And you helped me a great deal,making me see sense,but now your vision to sense seems clouded...And you both fade." Legolas was silent.
"Why do you not tell her? I would put the same question to her if she were here now."
"You say I told you of unrequited love,do you not? I would die all the faster and be glad of it if I was rejected. I live for now,without rejection,but in clear view of an altogether shortened life.
"And what of her? You would see to it that she died also?"
"You are much mistaken,she does not feel for me. For all that is known to us she may be the last from her city. If perhaps there were but one male...They could save a people."
"My friend,it is one city,no matter how large,it is but one and no matter how you put it one or two children would not save them all. How would another generation be born I ask you. She is an elf,unless it has gone unnoticed,she holds an eternity to her,but not if this continues."
"It is selfish to steal away someone so rare for my self. It may bring dishonor."
"It is both selfish and giving,but it would be most cruel to allow the deaths of both her and yourself. I maintain that something is lost from you both. You shiver and pale in the cold as is in contrast with all other elves,and neither of you sleep."
"She has been through much and I believe her memories insist she stay awake." Aragorn stared into the Prince's eyes as if searching by the fire light.
"It has gone from both of you,"he reached the conclusion,"both your eyes are filled with the chill of sadness,we have not heard an elfin musical laugh or song since your little jest on horseback."Legolas smiled at the memory but glanced away,appearing not to take heed of what was being said.
"You shall be the end of both of you if this continues."
"I thank you for your council,and shall think on it.Though I do not promise a change is us."
"For one so wise you act as ignorant as any mortal man."Sighed Aragorn with a shake of his head.
"You should rest now Aragorn,I shall keep watch for Leonae and the halfling." Aragorn glanced back at the elf before giving in and returning to his bedroll.
It had been only a few minutes or staring into the vast darkness of the cave and the little glimmer of light catching the forms of his sleeping friends before his depleted senses caught the sound of light though hurried footsteps and he rose from his seat. Soon enough two figures entered and as they came closer he could make out the worried face of Peregrin Took as the other did not seem so. He walked towards them and relieved the she elf of the sticks she carried,her eyes seemed weary and Pippin soon gave a clue as to why.
"She has been shot." He said as if still in shock,"There were orcs and they were gong to mark a tree and they hit her in the shoulder."His voice and features became more flustered and he spoke. Legolas sprinted to put the stick down near the fire so that he may attend to whatever wound it was that worried the hobbit so. When he turned back around he found that she was on her hands and knees with Pippin assisting her to an upright position, whether from exhaustion or something more he put one of her arms around his shoulders and helped her over the a spot near Aragorn.
"Aragorn,"hissed Legolas,determined to allow the others to sleep," Aragorn." At that the Ranger sat bolt upright and asked what the problem was,when it was explained to him he instructed Pippin to place more wood onto the fire so that he could see the wound more clearly,he removed her cape and her outer top leaving the binding around her chest.
"You do not have the best of luck do you?" He asked the weakening maiden while he looked more closely at the wound,"It is not deep,but there is poison," he walked over to his supplies and pulled out a bag of powder and some water. Legolas and Leonae were kneeling facing each other when the ranger returned and washed away the blood the the cool clear water.
"Legolas,would you mind holding her,"a slight glint seemed to be captured in his eye,"this stings(understatement) and so it is natural to pull away. Just kneel where you are and hold her arms." The she elf seemed to be a little more awake as it was so cold without her cape. She felt a severe burn in the wound and found that she had lunged forward as a reflex only to be caught by the prince as she had been when she first awoke. She hooked both hands on either of his shoulders as he now held her securely around the middle of her back to allow Aragorn to deal with the gash,Leonae tensing at the pain all the while. Once it was dressed and cleaned Leonae thanked them both,a blush gracing both their features as she spoke to Legolas. The man gave them both encouraging looks,but in vain. They both settled to sleep,per chance to dream of the warmth of each others arms.
~*~*~*~*~*~
I'm typing as much as is humanly possible!
The voices in my head are guiding me,but one voice has been with me all the while....I'd like the thank...
ok I'd tell you but it would involve me ripping out my own tongue and wrapping it around my throat to pronounce..I'll give it a better name later.
Keep the Review juice coming!
Hopefully a longer chapter!
A longer chapter that makes sense!
A longer chapter that makes sense and actually goes somewhere with the story!
K I'll go type now...I dunno what's gunna happen yet-Help!
R/R please! But most of all enjoy!
The Fudge
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sense
~*~*~*~*~*~*
It was beginning to get too cold for the company's liking,although Merry and Pippin were still dancing about and singing songs that,when they couldn't remember a line the would make it up with totally random words.
From her place Leonae could just see the exit to the cave and with it the fact that the blizzard was quickly dying down. Until it was fully gone they would not risk sending anyone out for more wood. Wrapping her cape tighter around her she chanced a glance in the direction of Legolas,holding onto the feel of his arms around her waist hours before,he seemed to be gazing at the petite fire that Gimli had protested for,captured in his own thought. At this moment in time,if she had not advised herself against it,she would have gone over to the Prince's sitting place and have him hold her,away from the cold and dark and in the warmth of the archer's embrace. Instead all she could do was draw her knees to her chest with her cape almost cutting off her circulation and shiver uncontrollably.
Gimli had taken heed of Aragorn's warning that they would set out before dawn and got as close to the miniature fire as possible with his bedroll and fell into a peaceful slumber. Without so much as a snore or yawn the terribly weary dwarf was settled for the night,not even complaining that he had no food since the morning.
It had been Merry's turn to sing a verse of the old Shire song,but it seemed to be a few words shorter than Pip had remembered.
"You're a line short! I think you mind is slipping!" He said taunting his friend.
"What?The songs always been like that."
"No it has not," argued the Took.
"Aye it has! How could you forget?"
"I didn't. What were you thinking?
"I was thinking that my friend was a complete idiot!"
"Oh you were,were you? You great orc. Ju-"
"Orc?!" said Merry appearing to be horribly shocked and stepping closer to Pip,"Take it back" he demanded, prodding Pippin in the chest. By this point Frodo and Sam looked quite worried,as both Hobbits would refuse to back down.
"Nae,not unless you admit that the song wa-"
"The song did no-"
"Oh it didn't? Maybe not in orc language..." he said returning the prod on the chest. In reply Merry pushed the Took and again the attack was returned,but with more force. The incoherent natter from the two continued as they began grappling on the floor of the fast darkening cave. No one stopped them,as Aragorn lay dozing against a cold was,Gimli slept,Legolas thought,Leonae was very confused and Sam and Frodo new better than to get in the path of two enraged hobbits who were likely to bite,scratch,pull or kick them to death in their frenzied fight fest.
"The snow has stopped. " observed Leonae in an attempt to distract the warring halfings. Aragorn awoke from his doze at the sound of a fresh voice and looked upon the two hobbit. Merry was on his back with is hands on the two corners which held Pip's cape together and was in the middle of trying to tighten it around his neck,Pippin was on top of Merry with a clump of hair in one hand and the other attempting to loosen the Brandybuck's grip on his cape. They had stopped to see if the snow really was gone,but soon turned to see the disapproving look on the Ranger's face. Pippin jumped up and offered his hand to help Merry up.
"Hobbit bonding. " He explained to Aragorn.
"Aye." Agreed Merry,"I love our little growing moments." The two hobbits dusted each other off,but while doing so the exchanged scowls. Merry then put one arm round his friend,with the Took taking his lead,they both grinned widely at Aragorn who rolled his eyes and in one smooth motion rose from his seat and walked to where Leonea stood at the mouth of the cave looking upon the crisp whiteness and pink and lavender sunset which was now freed from the gray snow clouds.
"I shall go to the forest," she volunteered, "It is not far," Aragorn looked at her,being unsure that she should be the one to go.
"It is growing dark,go quickly are return in the same fashion."
"I'll-"Started Merry.
"Go with you." Interrupted Pippin,making the offer his own."I can carry a few extra sticks." The ranger was quite doubtful that Pippin would be any more than a burden if any orc decided to appear. He wondered if himself or Legolas would be better company,however,he decided against it as the two elves seemed to be awkward around each other and he wanted to speak of it to Legolas while the others slept of went for fire wood.
"Aye Pip," he sighed, "take the weapons with you. I do not know for what reason,but I feel as though we are being followed." With that the Took bounded up to the waiting elf with a very indignant Merry left standing behind him.
The two set off into the snow,somehow feeling it warmer than in the cave,the reason,probably that the twilight sky reflected it's mass off oranges,pinks and purples onto the miles of white powdered paradise.
"Nice view,"observed Pip,making conversation, "pity it's so cold."
"Yes," agreed Leonae still shivering, "I seem to feel it more than I should."
"Really? That must be bad,I didn't think elves felt the snow as much as hobbits,dwarves or men. Although I did notice Legolas looking paler,he was shaking quite a bit." The elfin maiden looked up at the mention of his name.
"I don't like to see him as pale as that,he's always looked great,now it's...sad," he continued, "I don't like him in that way,you know... " He was about to comment on how she was white in herself but something about her seemed strangely melancholy,but then thought better of it.
"In what way?" asked the elf.
"You know,like finding him attractive. Don't get me wrong,don't tell anyone but even I would admit that I lacked in looks compared to him," he jested,"It's strange though,how hobbits like elves so much. Do not mention it to anyone but one of us actually has a thing for Mr Mirkwood." She looked down at him,slightly confused.
"Frodo."He finished,scrunching up his nose at the strange idea. "Um...do you like him? You know. It's kind of obvious that he likes you."She looked genuinely surprised.
"Your eyes deceive you Pip. He is a Prince,I am completely plain." The halfling almost choked on his own breath.
"Plain? Are you jesting with me? "Leonae looked at him as if he had asked the strangest question she had ever heard.
"Even Legolas could not say he compared with you. Anyway,you avoid my question quite skillfully."
"You need not make me feel prouder,there is no need. And for your question? I have allowed myself to grow too fond of him,"she said blushing,"and so I have hurt myself." She was puzzled,she was revealing her thoughts most honestly to one she had not spent many years with. Pippin thought for a moment on her words.
"You should just tell him. You think yourself plain,it is a very strange thing to do.You are too harsh by far."
"The fact still remains that he is a price,and most likely already betrothed."
"His father did not even know if he would make it back alive,it would be very unfair to betroth a dead elf."
"You are very persistent are you not?"
"It is in my nature,besides Legolas would go against his father if he needed to."
"He is an elf of honor,he could not do such a thing."
"Aye,he could."
"You talk as if it is already possible,and it shall give me false hope...you are a cruel Took."she said teasingly.
"Hey."He replied attempting to seem hurt.
They reached the forest and began to gather fallen sticks and branches,talking now of trivial things,then they came upon the subject of the ring and Pippin summed up the tail although it did take some time. However,he was interrupted by a sudden movement from Leonae. She was standing tall and straight-alert to all sounds and movement. Pip dared not move incase he broke her concentration.
"Orcs." she said on shock. She grabbed the young Took's hand,both of them still grasping the fire wood,and began to run,finding that it was impossible for his short legs to keep up with her hurried long gliding strides she picked him up with some awkwardness,dropping much of her collected wood, and ran as best she could and chose to hide behind one of the thicker trees. Crouching on her haunches in their hiding place,she wrapped her cape around Pippin and held her protectively to her with her head ducked to allow the cape to cover them more thoroughly,their hearts raced wildly,minds paced and senses more alert than ever. There they waited until even Pip could hear the clanging of metal boots,though there did not seem to be many.
"I can hear only two," whispered the hobbit,barley making a noise.
"They are scouting-lesser orcs." With that they made no more sound with the Took only just breathing,though it sounded one thousand times louder in the vast emptiness. He noticed that the girl he was holding onto had skin that now felt like snow or ice as well as looked like it,he was getting the impression that she was not faring as well as she was making out to be,still he listened to the approaching beasts. They seemed to only allow their eyes to quickly scan the land and began to turn back,she found this out as she peered at the retreating orcs,until she notice one was turning and held on tighter to the hobbit,closing her eyes in prayer. One of the patrol released and arrow from his badly crafted bow,it went flying towards the silhouette of the tree against which Leonae's cape was able to camouflage quite well,on it flew until it came to pierce the flesh on the elf's shoulder. She suppressed a surprised cry and quickly caught Pippin's hand as he reached to pull out the arrow,she would not risk giving their position away. They could now hear the steps slowly but surely retreating,but still they held still,the tears threatening to descend down her cheek. When even she could no longer hear their feet she released Pippin and fell on her hands and knees,looking more angry than anything else. Pippin ran behind her and tugged at the weapon which had surprisingly not gone too far into her for him to be unable you get it out. She thanked him,then walked a little way from the tree and shot the same arrow into the tree and quickly went to pick up her fallen sticks,her strides long and hurried.
"Why did they not attack us if they knew you were there well enough to shoot at you?"
"It was luck that the arrow hit me. They were merely marking where they had been."She replied as Pip bounced after her in an attempt to catch up.
"We must return quickly,they do not know we are here but they she pass none the less."She proceeded to pick up the wood,with blood soaking her garments.."It is my own fault.."
"How could you have known they would come this way?"
"I should have heard them earlier...my senses are not as they should be."
"Are you ill?" He asked,concern rimming his words.
"I am just weary from all that has happened," she nodded. Both she and Pip knew that it was not the truth,but he would not argue with her.
She noticed a few drops of blood when she turned to look at Pippin,she walked over to it and scooped up the snow where it had landed.
"They have keener eyes that you would think,"she said wiping the melted snow on her cape.
"Will they not see the footprints?"
"It is a wise point." Taking one of the branches that was still with leaves she brushed it over the patters of their feet and distorting it. Luckily the snow still fell lightly and would become heavier before the orcs came.
"Let us away while time allows it,we should be safe in the cave for they shall follow the line of the forest and pass far enough away from us." Leonae turned to see the Took looking at the wound with worry written over his face.
"It is not deep,"she smiled weakly,"Aragorn shall have the means to heal it.Come."
!-x-x-x-x-Meanwhile-x-x-x-x-x-!
Leonae and Pippin had now disappeared from sight,therefore there was no more entertainment to be had. The companions decided that an early night was suitable for the early start ahead of them. With Legolas deep in thought,he would not sleep although it was Aragorn who was to keep watch though it was not thought that danger was nearby. He stayed sitting and waited for the rest of the company to sleep then made his way past the now almost extinguished fire and sat beside the elf who gazed at his approach.
"I see you fade," he pointed out in a dark voice,"both of you. Why do you do this?"
"I know not what you mean," was the reply,though he did not make an attempt to seem convincing.
"You spoke quite clearly of the hearts of elves,of unrequited love and that which is near and far at the same time."
"Yes,I believe that was the last time we spoke in the night."
"Indeed. And you helped me a great deal,making me see sense,but now your vision to sense seems clouded...And you both fade." Legolas was silent.
"Why do you not tell her? I would put the same question to her if she were here now."
"You say I told you of unrequited love,do you not? I would die all the faster and be glad of it if I was rejected. I live for now,without rejection,but in clear view of an altogether shortened life.
"And what of her? You would see to it that she died also?"
"You are much mistaken,she does not feel for me. For all that is known to us she may be the last from her city. If perhaps there were but one male...They could save a people."
"My friend,it is one city,no matter how large,it is but one and no matter how you put it one or two children would not save them all. How would another generation be born I ask you. She is an elf,unless it has gone unnoticed,she holds an eternity to her,but not if this continues."
"It is selfish to steal away someone so rare for my self. It may bring dishonor."
"It is both selfish and giving,but it would be most cruel to allow the deaths of both her and yourself. I maintain that something is lost from you both. You shiver and pale in the cold as is in contrast with all other elves,and neither of you sleep."
"She has been through much and I believe her memories insist she stay awake." Aragorn stared into the Prince's eyes as if searching by the fire light.
"It has gone from both of you,"he reached the conclusion,"both your eyes are filled with the chill of sadness,we have not heard an elfin musical laugh or song since your little jest on horseback."Legolas smiled at the memory but glanced away,appearing not to take heed of what was being said.
"You shall be the end of both of you if this continues."
"I thank you for your council,and shall think on it.Though I do not promise a change is us."
"For one so wise you act as ignorant as any mortal man."Sighed Aragorn with a shake of his head.
"You should rest now Aragorn,I shall keep watch for Leonae and the halfling." Aragorn glanced back at the elf before giving in and returning to his bedroll.
It had been only a few minutes or staring into the vast darkness of the cave and the little glimmer of light catching the forms of his sleeping friends before his depleted senses caught the sound of light though hurried footsteps and he rose from his seat. Soon enough two figures entered and as they came closer he could make out the worried face of Peregrin Took as the other did not seem so. He walked towards them and relieved the she elf of the sticks she carried,her eyes seemed weary and Pippin soon gave a clue as to why.
"She has been shot." He said as if still in shock,"There were orcs and they were gong to mark a tree and they hit her in the shoulder."His voice and features became more flustered and he spoke. Legolas sprinted to put the stick down near the fire so that he may attend to whatever wound it was that worried the hobbit so. When he turned back around he found that she was on her hands and knees with Pippin assisting her to an upright position, whether from exhaustion or something more he put one of her arms around his shoulders and helped her over the a spot near Aragorn.
"Aragorn,"hissed Legolas,determined to allow the others to sleep," Aragorn." At that the Ranger sat bolt upright and asked what the problem was,when it was explained to him he instructed Pippin to place more wood onto the fire so that he could see the wound more clearly,he removed her cape and her outer top leaving the binding around her chest.
"You do not have the best of luck do you?" He asked the weakening maiden while he looked more closely at the wound,"It is not deep,but there is poison," he walked over to his supplies and pulled out a bag of powder and some water. Legolas and Leonae were kneeling facing each other when the ranger returned and washed away the blood the the cool clear water.
"Legolas,would you mind holding her,"a slight glint seemed to be captured in his eye,"this stings(understatement) and so it is natural to pull away. Just kneel where you are and hold her arms." The she elf seemed to be a little more awake as it was so cold without her cape. She felt a severe burn in the wound and found that she had lunged forward as a reflex only to be caught by the prince as she had been when she first awoke. She hooked both hands on either of his shoulders as he now held her securely around the middle of her back to allow Aragorn to deal with the gash,Leonae tensing at the pain all the while. Once it was dressed and cleaned Leonae thanked them both,a blush gracing both their features as she spoke to Legolas. The man gave them both encouraging looks,but in vain. They both settled to sleep,per chance to dream of the warmth of each others arms.
~*~*~*~*~*~
I'm typing as much as is humanly possible!
The voices in my head are guiding me,but one voice has been with me all the while....I'd like the thank...
ok I'd tell you but it would involve me ripping out my own tongue and wrapping it around my throat to pronounce..I'll give it a better name later.
Keep the Review juice coming!