Glad people liked the last chapter; hopefully the plot bunnies will keep cooperating. To Butterfly--I'll try!!! There could be a Legolas romance--I'll leave that up to the readers--but it will not be with another man…Let me know if you want me to add some one for Legolas when you review--I have an idea where I can bring her in…
Chapter 7--Bound For Home
It had been two weeks since Aragorn and the others had arrived in Lothlorien Legolas and Aragorn were enjoying a swim at the lake early one afternoon. It was beautiful there with a waterfall and a grassy bank with brightly colored flowers growing everywhere. "So why did Gimli have to leave so fast?" Legolas asked lazily.
"Important business at his home he said," Aragorn shrugged.
"Ah, I see," Legolas said.
"So why the interest? I did not think you like Gimli," Aragorn asked.
Legolas shrugged. "Just curious, besides he was not that bad," he said.
"Hey! How is the water, you two?" Syri called.
They turned and saw her standing on the bank with Boromir. "It is fine!" Legolas called.
"Good, I am coming in!" Syri called without the least sign of embarrassment she stripped to the skin.
Boromir stared at her in shock and Aragorn quickly turned his back, blushing madly.
Legolas gave both men a puzzled look. "What is wrong?" he asked.
Syri put her hands on her hips. "I would like to know the answer to that myself," she said.
"Y-you are naked!!" Boromir said.
"You are very observant," Syri said. "So what is the matter? You do not need clothes to swim."
"It is not proper for a lady to be nude in front of three males!! It is not decent!!" Boromir said.
"If you were looking for a proper, decent woman you picked the wrong one, lover. I am going swimming and you can stand there or join me," Syri said. She ran out into the water and dove.
"So where is Qui?" Legolas asked when she surfaced.
"Evidently the elves think that Qui's hand talk would be useful on patrol so he is teaching a bunch of them," Syri shrugged. "He likes it here I think."
"I like it here too, but I am going home soon. I never did get to see my brother, though I understand now why I was sent here," Legolas said.
"I was relieved to see you were well," Syri said. "We all worried about you. Qui in particular was very upset about it and so was Aragorn. He was relieved to get Lady Galadriel's message inviting us here to visit you."
Boromir swam up to them. He wrapped his arms around Syri's waist and kissed her neck. "I am sorry, love, you can swim nude anytime you want," he said. "I love you, my mercenary princess."
Syri turned in his arms. "I love you too, even when you are acting like an ass," she said.
"Who are you calling an ass?" Boromir demanded.
"I did not call you an ass, I said you were acting like one," Syri pointed out. She turned to face him and kissed him deeply. Boromir tightened his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. They began kissing hungrily, ignoring all else.
Legolas just shook his head and smiled. Obviously this conversation is over for now, he thought. He returned to shore and dried off then got dressed. He had just finished when Lady Galadriel entered the clearing. He bowed. "Good day, Lady," he said politely.
"I have received a message from your father, he is glad you are well and would like you to come home as soon as possible," Galadriel said.
"That is wonderful, I will speak to the others. They can escort me to Mirkwood," Legolas said.
"Your father is angry at them for what happened," Galadriel pointed out. "He will not be pleased to see them."
"He is going to have to get over it. What happened was nobody's fault and it is done. There is nothing that can change that," Legolas said firmly.
Lady Galadriel nodded. "You are wise beyond your years, healer," she said.
"I had help," Legolas said quietly. "And I thank you for it, Lady Galadriel."
Galadriel laid a soft hand on his cheek. "May Elbereth the fair light your path, son of Thranduil," she said. She turned and walked away.
After Legolas got everyone's attention and told them about the message they decided that they would leave for Mirkwood tomorrow. They all looked forward to traveling together once again.
They were up early the next morning and ate a hearty breakfast then went to fetch their mounts. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel came out to see them off.
"I have made sure you are well provisioned for your journey. Be safe, Prince Legolas," Celeborn said.
"Farewell, healer, give your father our regards," Galadriel said. "I have sent a message back letting him know you are returning home."
They all bowed. "Thank you for your hospitality, my Lord, my Lady," Aragorn said for all of them. They mounted and headed off towards Mirkwood.
"I think it would be best if we did not go into Mirkwood until you speak to your father. He might be more willing to listen to you if we respected his wishes," Syri said. "After all he is King and deserves our courtesy and respect."
Legolas considered Syri's words. "I have to admit that you are probably right. It is a wise idea. I do not wish to upset him to the point where he is unwilling to listen," he agreed.
"I agree with that too. We will get you within sight of home then let you go on alone, after all what could happen to you that close to Mirkwood's borders," Aragorn said…..
Don't worry the action will pick up soon!!! ! How far is it from Lothlorien to Rivendell then to Mirkwood? Can someone give me a rough guess? Don't forget to tell me if you want a Legolas romance added to this!!! R/R please!!!