Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any characters or places that
can be recognized.
Fairy lady: Hehe, thanks! Sorry this one took so long, but it's got a bit more to it.
Regina bean: All hail caffeine. . .
Alyssa-anime-angel: Thanks. I try to update as much as I can, this story has proved tricky, though.
Earendil star: What's going to happen now? Well, it would be much more fun if I left you in suspense, wouldn't it? Yes, that's what I shall do. . .hehe, just kidding. Of course, I won't tell, either.
Moro the Wolf God: The deal with the feral cat was that when Aragorn asked how Legolas got a certain scar, Legolas said it was a feral cat. When he refers to himself as a feral cat, he tells Aragorn that he gave himself that scar. Does that help?
Java Galxy: Hehe, bookverse and movieverse. . .switching depending on how lazy I'm feeling. Thanks for your review.
Zero cool: Aragorn will do what he thinks is best. This you must remember, for what seems right may not always be.
YuZira: Thank you.
Callisto Firestarter: Yes, he did. Good Aragorn **gives Aragorn a dog treat. Avoids getting head lobbed off by Anduril**
Goma-Ryu: Hehe, sounds like a psychiatrist ad. Well, here's the next chapter. . .good luck, doctor demento! Just kidding, of course.
Legolas Girl 86: Yes, Aragorn has figured it out. That is a good idea, but what's mind meld? And thank you very much.
Tbiris: Yes, it's almost an insult to Aragorn that he needed a hint. Just kidding! Thanks, hope you like this next chapter.
Erhothwen: Oh, yes, without Elrohir. . .or is he? Mwuhahahaha! You'll see what I mean. Thank you, Elladan, I have update, though less than soon. . .
Wicked Misty: Thanks, and you should write up a pity list! My friend Smeagol has one, it's funny.
Lirenel: Thanks and I will.
Lady-Daine: Thanks, hopefully this update isn't too late. . .
Queen of Shadows: It's not really something one gets over. It's something one moves on from, grows from. You'll see. . .Aragorn will do what he thinks is best, but remember no one is perfect. No, don't go into withdrawal! Here's another chapter. . .
Soul searcher - arbariel: Thank you, Aragorn's thoughts will form later on. Sorry about your friends moving to Malaysia, why did they move?
Becca: Freudian slip? No such thing.
Saera: Aw, baby talk. . .Robin, the reviews have discovered our one weakness! Holy kryptonite, Batman!
Sugar Addict: Aragorn already knows! Calm down. . .no more sugar! Hehehe. You typed "Logolas", that could be some snowboarder's nickname. You know how they have all those endorsements? As in, they wear logos? Oh my, I am so not funny. Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter.
Madie Ichyfingers: Thank you, hope the wait wasn't too long **ducks flying object**
Estelle Yavetil: Thanks, hope the wait wasn't too bad.
Fell in love with Sephy: Ah, sorry, I must try to update more. Thank you!
Ola: The cat thing was on purpose. I don't believe in so-called "Freudian slips". Aragorn crumbles because Legolas is someone he's looked up to his entire life, someone he admires very much. He doesn't mean to fall apart, he does his best. If it had been someone like Merry or Gimli it would've been different, but Legolas is a role model for him, someone he depends on.
That person who keeps reviewing your stories (It's too looooong to type out my whole email address.... wait, that was longer than my address (whoops) Hey, I need to enter a *valid* email address@ohwell.com): Yes, you did. Thanks, Ariel.
Gwyn: He's not a dunce!! Have a little faith in "the young human", he'll do his best, even if it hurts Legolas in some way, I swear, it will help him.
Kaimelieamin: Galadriel is just being. . .Cate Blanchett-like. I don't know. She is going to get Legolas in line no matter what it takes.
Saki: Thank you. Now, why I enjoy Legolas's self-mutilation is that he's just about the closest thing to a role model I've got, and if he can go from being a cutter to being an Elf of incredible dignity and stability, well, then anyone can. It's not enticing that he hurts himself, it's enticing that he gets better.
Thanks to all of you who took the time to review! I appreciate it!
*****
"Did you mean it?" Aragorn demanded. "Did you mean what you said?"
He had waited as long as was needed. One by one the others had dropped off to sleep, conversation ceasing as fewer and fewer remained. He, too, had closed his eyes a few times, only to open them again, shaking his head, to see Legolas's gaze still intent on him and the fire still burning between them. The two had kept up this challenge for a long time, each silently daring the other to make his move. "Are you not going to rest?" Legolas had asked him.
"I am not tired. You? No one needs stand guard here," Aragorn had responded.
"Only making sure you are all right," Legolas had said with a slight laugh. Then he stood, stretching, and said, "Fare well, for the night, I go to find Haldir and his brothers."
Legolas had disappeared into the night. Aragorn for a moment considered not following Legolas, but surrendering to the heavy sleep that tugged at him. Again he shook himself and stood, silently following the Elf. Legolas had detected footsteps behind him, and forgot that it could well be his friend. He whirled around, slamming Aragorn into the trunk of a thick tree. Aragorn was jolted by this, tears welling in his eyes from the shock and pain, but still he demanded, "Did you mean it? Did you mean what you said?"
"My friend," Legolas said, biting each word. His voice was dangerous, and sounded as if he had to force every breath of it out of him, though his words were hardly anything but air. "I have said to you much as I could and why, how, can you demand more of me, how can you ask what you know I cannot give? How can you. . ."
"Calm down--"
"I will not calm down! You cannot tell me what to do! Do not tell me to calm down! I am calm!" Legolas was nearly hysterical now.
"Legolas, please," Aragorn said, sharp but poised.
"Do not. . .do not tell me. . ." Legolas continued, his hands making frantic gestures near his bent face. He could not stop moving, pacing, shaking, jumping up and down. Finally he stopped, turned, and pointed at Aragorn. He meant to be still, but he was shaking all the while. "You don't know. All right? You don't know me, you don't know what's going on, so just back off, all right?"
Legolas turned and strode away. Aragorn gritted his teeth, then approached his friend. "Legolas," he began, putting a hand on Legolas's shoulder. Legolas had passed form a normal frame of mind. He had no idea who had touched his shoulder, but he grabbed the hand and wrenched it, flipping the person belonging to it to the ground. Aragorn rushed to his feet, and in a last-ditch attempt at renewing his friend's sanity tackled Legolas to the ground.
No more were the two great warriors, no more were Aragorn son of Arathorn and Legolas son of Thranduil, no more were two beings of great bearing and respect. Now there were only two feral boys, tussling in the dirt, both lacking any sense of restrain. The difference in the two was that while one knew he had no check on himself and was well aware of what he was doing, finding a purpose in his actions, the other knew nothing but bloodlust.
Throughout the woods of Lothlorien a whisper echoed, touching the minds of every being, alerting them to strange and disturbing happenings. Some, deep in sleep, only turned fitfully, and the whisper passed on. Others woke in confusion, strangers to the woods asked what could be happening.. Still others knew the trees well, and they awoke, lighting their lanterns and searching for the speaker.
Legolas had drawn his knife. Aragorn saw the gleam in the moonlight. Glad though his was that this knife was not meant for his friend's flesh, fear gripped him, and he realized that indeed Legolas meant to kill him. In the Ranger's mind things snapped into place, common sense and battle instinct came together. Aragorn gripped Legolas's wrist, and the two grappled for the deadly weapon. They fell to their knees, the knife caught between them. Legolas thrust himself forward, and Aragorn flew back. But still he kept the knife in his grasp, and Legolas fell onto him. The two were pressed close, the knife's steel touching both of their bare skin. "I ask you to stop! Then I will ask no more," Aragorn shouted, or it felt like a shout, in the raging quiet it was naught but a whisper.
Legolas did not relent, and Aragorn raised his defenses in return. The two rolled over and over, fighting for the knife; Legolas to kill, Aragorn in the interest of preservation. They lost their momentum at the foot of a small slope. From countless scuffles with his brothers Aragorn had learned primary tactics. He jammed one knee into each of Legolas's elbows, constraining the Elf, barring him the ability to get up. Legolas's fingers extended with much difficulty, then partially formed a fist again. The knife fell to the ground.
"Damn you," Aragorn said tearfully, hardly whispering. "Damn you!" he reiterated, only this time he shouted it, hitting Legolas's pretty face. Animalistic rage took him, anger at Legolas. Aragorn's anger was irrational and ungrounded, save for the betrayal deep inside him, for how long had he admired and looked up to Legolas, a liar all this time?, but from the fight and the revelations of the day crazy hormones and endorphins affected his actions.
Around the crazed Aragorn and the semi-paralyzed Legolas stood a small group of onlookers. Gimli, the Dwarf, watched with a mix of pity and empathy, though for whom it was impossible to say. Haldir, Rumil, and Orophin were there, watching with confusion. Two very unexpected Elves, for this location, shook their heads, understanding all too well what was happening. And at the head of this circle stood the Lady of the wood, Galadriel, Celeborn by her side, gazing down at the two children severely disappointed.
"Come on, Estel. Let him up, come on," someone was saying, pulling Aragorn to his feet. The Ranger hardly noticed what name was being used, only knowing that it was his. He stood unsteadily, inspecting his bloodied hands for any serious injury, hoping none had been dealt out. "Legolas is all right."
A similar voice spoke to Legolas, helping him sit, catch his breath. Legolas supported as much of his weight as he could, leaning the rest on the hand supporting his back. "All right, Legolas?" someone asked him. Legolas did not respond. He coughed, spilling forth some blood. Reaching up to his jaw he pulled forth a tooth, and looking at the small bit of his head a memory returned to him, and he cried, more blood flowing down his front. Squinting through tears he gazed at Aragorn, who seemed all right, just a bit shaken up. "It's all right. It happens," the voice said, rubbing his hand in small circles on Legolas's back.
"Happens to who?" Legolas tried to control his tears, but they would not stop. After a few minutes they did, and he rubbed his eyes and stood, leaning against the anonymous somebody.
"We all fall down," a kind voice said. Legolas knew that voice, and at once he knew who it was. Guilt washed over him. If for anyone, for him Legolas should not have fallen to cutting again. He was utterly let down with his actions.
Aragorn was not as steady as Legolas. He held on to his brother's arms for support. "That's going to bruise," he whispered. Elladan laughed.
"I've gotten plenty of bruises from you already. Don't beat yourself up about it," he said, allowing Aragorn to stand on his own.
"What are you--" Aragorn began, but the Lady cut him off.
"If you are quite finished," she said, speaking in such a firm and angry manner that no one dared interrupt her. "Legolas, Aragorn. Your actions here have shown only that you are little more than children. I am extremely disappointed with both of you. This situation will be dealt with first thing tomorrow morning. For now, disperse, and all of you get to bed." With this she left. Haldir placed a hand on Aragorn's shoulder and one on Legolas's, then stood as if he had something to say, let his hands fall, and walked away. Each of his brothers imitated.
"Come on, both of you," Elladan said, half carrying Aragorn, who protested that he could walk just fine. To Elladan it hardly mattered. 87? Eh, what's eighty-seven years to an Elf? Aragorn was hardly a child as far as Elladan could see, and his little brother to boot.
"You know," Gimli said, walking alongside Legolas, "I had a cousin once, name of Dwalin. . ." His voice faded into the distance, only Elrohir hearing what the Dwarf had to say. Legolas was still in a daze of reality, Aragorn and Elladan deep in conversation.
When they reached the general area inhabited by the Fellowship, they found the Halflings taken again by sleep, and Boromir sitting by a smoldering fire. He gazed at the two new Elves, then turned to Aragorn. "I told you I did not trust these trees!" Boromir hissed. "Something has happened tonight, even they can sense it--" he motioned to the hobbits. "--we should leave."
"The only disturbances here tonight were caused by Legolas and by myself," Aragorn said, weary.
"Well then, Elf, what was going on?" Boromir asked Legolas.
"He has to say nothing he does not wish to say," Aragorn interjected immediately on his friend's behalf. Then he fell to the ground, and in moments was asleep. Boromir looked almost worried, Elladan and Elrohir both were amused.
"Hate it when he does that," Elrohir muttered. "All right, Legolas? Good night, then." But he and Elladan stayed, waiting until they were sure Legolas was asleep. Elladan wanted to put cream on Aragorn's hand and tickle his nose, for he was quite bored, but Elrohir jabbed his twin in the ribs and the idea was not mentioned again. "Go ahead, I'll catch up," Elrohir muttered. Elladan nodded.
"Gimli," Elrohir ventured, "that story you told. . .was it true?"
"As I live and breathe," Gimli replied. "Of course, I was very young, so I do not remember all of it, but I have been told the rest. I know what you're going to ask me now, to look out for Legolas, am I correct?"
Elrohir nodded. "He came only to look after my brother, now someone must look after him."
"I'll take the job. . .though I'd trust it better to Aragorn. Your Elf is safe with me."
"Thank you," Elrohir said, "Good night, Gimli."
Elladan had waited not far away, listening to Elrohir and Gimli's conversation. "What story?" he asked. "What story?"
"Rest your tongue, and over-worked ears, for I shall tell you naught."
Elladan began to protest. Elrohir grabbed the point of his brother's ear and twisted. His patience was getting a bit stretched. Hopefully, they would all feel better in the morning.
**********
That's all for now. Sorry it took so long, I was on vacation. But now I'm back, and plenty of Elf angst with me!
Concerning Elladan and Elrohir: I didn't think it that unlikely that they could have been in Lothlorien. If there is any reason they absolutely cannot be in the story, tell me and I'll fix it. Actually, I'll probably just label the story AU, 'cause I'm in a lazy mood. But tell me anyway.
Fairy lady: Hehe, thanks! Sorry this one took so long, but it's got a bit more to it.
Regina bean: All hail caffeine. . .
Alyssa-anime-angel: Thanks. I try to update as much as I can, this story has proved tricky, though.
Earendil star: What's going to happen now? Well, it would be much more fun if I left you in suspense, wouldn't it? Yes, that's what I shall do. . .hehe, just kidding. Of course, I won't tell, either.
Moro the Wolf God: The deal with the feral cat was that when Aragorn asked how Legolas got a certain scar, Legolas said it was a feral cat. When he refers to himself as a feral cat, he tells Aragorn that he gave himself that scar. Does that help?
Java Galxy: Hehe, bookverse and movieverse. . .switching depending on how lazy I'm feeling. Thanks for your review.
Zero cool: Aragorn will do what he thinks is best. This you must remember, for what seems right may not always be.
YuZira: Thank you.
Callisto Firestarter: Yes, he did. Good Aragorn **gives Aragorn a dog treat. Avoids getting head lobbed off by Anduril**
Goma-Ryu: Hehe, sounds like a psychiatrist ad. Well, here's the next chapter. . .good luck, doctor demento! Just kidding, of course.
Legolas Girl 86: Yes, Aragorn has figured it out. That is a good idea, but what's mind meld? And thank you very much.
Tbiris: Yes, it's almost an insult to Aragorn that he needed a hint. Just kidding! Thanks, hope you like this next chapter.
Erhothwen: Oh, yes, without Elrohir. . .or is he? Mwuhahahaha! You'll see what I mean. Thank you, Elladan, I have update, though less than soon. . .
Wicked Misty: Thanks, and you should write up a pity list! My friend Smeagol has one, it's funny.
Lirenel: Thanks and I will.
Lady-Daine: Thanks, hopefully this update isn't too late. . .
Queen of Shadows: It's not really something one gets over. It's something one moves on from, grows from. You'll see. . .Aragorn will do what he thinks is best, but remember no one is perfect. No, don't go into withdrawal! Here's another chapter. . .
Soul searcher - arbariel: Thank you, Aragorn's thoughts will form later on. Sorry about your friends moving to Malaysia, why did they move?
Becca: Freudian slip? No such thing.
Saera: Aw, baby talk. . .Robin, the reviews have discovered our one weakness! Holy kryptonite, Batman!
Sugar Addict: Aragorn already knows! Calm down. . .no more sugar! Hehehe. You typed "Logolas", that could be some snowboarder's nickname. You know how they have all those endorsements? As in, they wear logos? Oh my, I am so not funny. Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter.
Madie Ichyfingers: Thank you, hope the wait wasn't too long **ducks flying object**
Estelle Yavetil: Thanks, hope the wait wasn't too bad.
Fell in love with Sephy: Ah, sorry, I must try to update more. Thank you!
Ola: The cat thing was on purpose. I don't believe in so-called "Freudian slips". Aragorn crumbles because Legolas is someone he's looked up to his entire life, someone he admires very much. He doesn't mean to fall apart, he does his best. If it had been someone like Merry or Gimli it would've been different, but Legolas is a role model for him, someone he depends on.
That person who keeps reviewing your stories (It's too looooong to type out my whole email address.... wait, that was longer than my address (whoops) Hey, I need to enter a *valid* email address@ohwell.com): Yes, you did. Thanks, Ariel.
Gwyn: He's not a dunce!! Have a little faith in "the young human", he'll do his best, even if it hurts Legolas in some way, I swear, it will help him.
Kaimelieamin: Galadriel is just being. . .Cate Blanchett-like. I don't know. She is going to get Legolas in line no matter what it takes.
Saki: Thank you. Now, why I enjoy Legolas's self-mutilation is that he's just about the closest thing to a role model I've got, and if he can go from being a cutter to being an Elf of incredible dignity and stability, well, then anyone can. It's not enticing that he hurts himself, it's enticing that he gets better.
Thanks to all of you who took the time to review! I appreciate it!
*****
"Did you mean it?" Aragorn demanded. "Did you mean what you said?"
He had waited as long as was needed. One by one the others had dropped off to sleep, conversation ceasing as fewer and fewer remained. He, too, had closed his eyes a few times, only to open them again, shaking his head, to see Legolas's gaze still intent on him and the fire still burning between them. The two had kept up this challenge for a long time, each silently daring the other to make his move. "Are you not going to rest?" Legolas had asked him.
"I am not tired. You? No one needs stand guard here," Aragorn had responded.
"Only making sure you are all right," Legolas had said with a slight laugh. Then he stood, stretching, and said, "Fare well, for the night, I go to find Haldir and his brothers."
Legolas had disappeared into the night. Aragorn for a moment considered not following Legolas, but surrendering to the heavy sleep that tugged at him. Again he shook himself and stood, silently following the Elf. Legolas had detected footsteps behind him, and forgot that it could well be his friend. He whirled around, slamming Aragorn into the trunk of a thick tree. Aragorn was jolted by this, tears welling in his eyes from the shock and pain, but still he demanded, "Did you mean it? Did you mean what you said?"
"My friend," Legolas said, biting each word. His voice was dangerous, and sounded as if he had to force every breath of it out of him, though his words were hardly anything but air. "I have said to you much as I could and why, how, can you demand more of me, how can you ask what you know I cannot give? How can you. . ."
"Calm down--"
"I will not calm down! You cannot tell me what to do! Do not tell me to calm down! I am calm!" Legolas was nearly hysterical now.
"Legolas, please," Aragorn said, sharp but poised.
"Do not. . .do not tell me. . ." Legolas continued, his hands making frantic gestures near his bent face. He could not stop moving, pacing, shaking, jumping up and down. Finally he stopped, turned, and pointed at Aragorn. He meant to be still, but he was shaking all the while. "You don't know. All right? You don't know me, you don't know what's going on, so just back off, all right?"
Legolas turned and strode away. Aragorn gritted his teeth, then approached his friend. "Legolas," he began, putting a hand on Legolas's shoulder. Legolas had passed form a normal frame of mind. He had no idea who had touched his shoulder, but he grabbed the hand and wrenched it, flipping the person belonging to it to the ground. Aragorn rushed to his feet, and in a last-ditch attempt at renewing his friend's sanity tackled Legolas to the ground.
No more were the two great warriors, no more were Aragorn son of Arathorn and Legolas son of Thranduil, no more were two beings of great bearing and respect. Now there were only two feral boys, tussling in the dirt, both lacking any sense of restrain. The difference in the two was that while one knew he had no check on himself and was well aware of what he was doing, finding a purpose in his actions, the other knew nothing but bloodlust.
Throughout the woods of Lothlorien a whisper echoed, touching the minds of every being, alerting them to strange and disturbing happenings. Some, deep in sleep, only turned fitfully, and the whisper passed on. Others woke in confusion, strangers to the woods asked what could be happening.. Still others knew the trees well, and they awoke, lighting their lanterns and searching for the speaker.
Legolas had drawn his knife. Aragorn saw the gleam in the moonlight. Glad though his was that this knife was not meant for his friend's flesh, fear gripped him, and he realized that indeed Legolas meant to kill him. In the Ranger's mind things snapped into place, common sense and battle instinct came together. Aragorn gripped Legolas's wrist, and the two grappled for the deadly weapon. They fell to their knees, the knife caught between them. Legolas thrust himself forward, and Aragorn flew back. But still he kept the knife in his grasp, and Legolas fell onto him. The two were pressed close, the knife's steel touching both of their bare skin. "I ask you to stop! Then I will ask no more," Aragorn shouted, or it felt like a shout, in the raging quiet it was naught but a whisper.
Legolas did not relent, and Aragorn raised his defenses in return. The two rolled over and over, fighting for the knife; Legolas to kill, Aragorn in the interest of preservation. They lost their momentum at the foot of a small slope. From countless scuffles with his brothers Aragorn had learned primary tactics. He jammed one knee into each of Legolas's elbows, constraining the Elf, barring him the ability to get up. Legolas's fingers extended with much difficulty, then partially formed a fist again. The knife fell to the ground.
"Damn you," Aragorn said tearfully, hardly whispering. "Damn you!" he reiterated, only this time he shouted it, hitting Legolas's pretty face. Animalistic rage took him, anger at Legolas. Aragorn's anger was irrational and ungrounded, save for the betrayal deep inside him, for how long had he admired and looked up to Legolas, a liar all this time?, but from the fight and the revelations of the day crazy hormones and endorphins affected his actions.
Around the crazed Aragorn and the semi-paralyzed Legolas stood a small group of onlookers. Gimli, the Dwarf, watched with a mix of pity and empathy, though for whom it was impossible to say. Haldir, Rumil, and Orophin were there, watching with confusion. Two very unexpected Elves, for this location, shook their heads, understanding all too well what was happening. And at the head of this circle stood the Lady of the wood, Galadriel, Celeborn by her side, gazing down at the two children severely disappointed.
"Come on, Estel. Let him up, come on," someone was saying, pulling Aragorn to his feet. The Ranger hardly noticed what name was being used, only knowing that it was his. He stood unsteadily, inspecting his bloodied hands for any serious injury, hoping none had been dealt out. "Legolas is all right."
A similar voice spoke to Legolas, helping him sit, catch his breath. Legolas supported as much of his weight as he could, leaning the rest on the hand supporting his back. "All right, Legolas?" someone asked him. Legolas did not respond. He coughed, spilling forth some blood. Reaching up to his jaw he pulled forth a tooth, and looking at the small bit of his head a memory returned to him, and he cried, more blood flowing down his front. Squinting through tears he gazed at Aragorn, who seemed all right, just a bit shaken up. "It's all right. It happens," the voice said, rubbing his hand in small circles on Legolas's back.
"Happens to who?" Legolas tried to control his tears, but they would not stop. After a few minutes they did, and he rubbed his eyes and stood, leaning against the anonymous somebody.
"We all fall down," a kind voice said. Legolas knew that voice, and at once he knew who it was. Guilt washed over him. If for anyone, for him Legolas should not have fallen to cutting again. He was utterly let down with his actions.
Aragorn was not as steady as Legolas. He held on to his brother's arms for support. "That's going to bruise," he whispered. Elladan laughed.
"I've gotten plenty of bruises from you already. Don't beat yourself up about it," he said, allowing Aragorn to stand on his own.
"What are you--" Aragorn began, but the Lady cut him off.
"If you are quite finished," she said, speaking in such a firm and angry manner that no one dared interrupt her. "Legolas, Aragorn. Your actions here have shown only that you are little more than children. I am extremely disappointed with both of you. This situation will be dealt with first thing tomorrow morning. For now, disperse, and all of you get to bed." With this she left. Haldir placed a hand on Aragorn's shoulder and one on Legolas's, then stood as if he had something to say, let his hands fall, and walked away. Each of his brothers imitated.
"Come on, both of you," Elladan said, half carrying Aragorn, who protested that he could walk just fine. To Elladan it hardly mattered. 87? Eh, what's eighty-seven years to an Elf? Aragorn was hardly a child as far as Elladan could see, and his little brother to boot.
"You know," Gimli said, walking alongside Legolas, "I had a cousin once, name of Dwalin. . ." His voice faded into the distance, only Elrohir hearing what the Dwarf had to say. Legolas was still in a daze of reality, Aragorn and Elladan deep in conversation.
When they reached the general area inhabited by the Fellowship, they found the Halflings taken again by sleep, and Boromir sitting by a smoldering fire. He gazed at the two new Elves, then turned to Aragorn. "I told you I did not trust these trees!" Boromir hissed. "Something has happened tonight, even they can sense it--" he motioned to the hobbits. "--we should leave."
"The only disturbances here tonight were caused by Legolas and by myself," Aragorn said, weary.
"Well then, Elf, what was going on?" Boromir asked Legolas.
"He has to say nothing he does not wish to say," Aragorn interjected immediately on his friend's behalf. Then he fell to the ground, and in moments was asleep. Boromir looked almost worried, Elladan and Elrohir both were amused.
"Hate it when he does that," Elrohir muttered. "All right, Legolas? Good night, then." But he and Elladan stayed, waiting until they were sure Legolas was asleep. Elladan wanted to put cream on Aragorn's hand and tickle his nose, for he was quite bored, but Elrohir jabbed his twin in the ribs and the idea was not mentioned again. "Go ahead, I'll catch up," Elrohir muttered. Elladan nodded.
"Gimli," Elrohir ventured, "that story you told. . .was it true?"
"As I live and breathe," Gimli replied. "Of course, I was very young, so I do not remember all of it, but I have been told the rest. I know what you're going to ask me now, to look out for Legolas, am I correct?"
Elrohir nodded. "He came only to look after my brother, now someone must look after him."
"I'll take the job. . .though I'd trust it better to Aragorn. Your Elf is safe with me."
"Thank you," Elrohir said, "Good night, Gimli."
Elladan had waited not far away, listening to Elrohir and Gimli's conversation. "What story?" he asked. "What story?"
"Rest your tongue, and over-worked ears, for I shall tell you naught."
Elladan began to protest. Elrohir grabbed the point of his brother's ear and twisted. His patience was getting a bit stretched. Hopefully, they would all feel better in the morning.
**********
That's all for now. Sorry it took so long, I was on vacation. But now I'm back, and plenty of Elf angst with me!
Concerning Elladan and Elrohir: I didn't think it that unlikely that they could have been in Lothlorien. If there is any reason they absolutely cannot be in the story, tell me and I'll fix it. Actually, I'll probably just label the story AU, 'cause I'm in a lazy mood. But tell me anyway.