Someone mentioned a sequel. Well, I'll see about that, promise….
Chapter 78--Preparations
It had been nearly two weeks since the fight had ended. Aragorn left the field where the men who'd sworn fealty to him were camped, tired, but pleased. The fight was over and they could start rebuilding what had been destroyed. A truce had been offered and accepted by Elrond, Thranduil, Celeborn, Galadriel, and Kilin as well as the Lake men. There would never be another war like this one if Aragorn could help it.
Mixed groups of Men, Dwarves and Elves decorated a clearing for Boromir and Syri's wedding that would be held the following day. Thranduil had insisted on hosting it. Everyone was going to attend. He paused to watch.
Legolas came up to him. "Done reviewing your new army, sire?" he asked.
"I am not King yet," Aragorn pointed out.
"You will be as soon as the coronation is done when you return to Minas Tirith," Legolas said.
Aragorn sighed. "I am not so sure I am happy with that. I have been a ranger for a long time," he said.
"You will be a great King," Legolas said softly. "You must trust in yourself."
"I am more worried about if others will trust in me," Aragorn admitted.
Legolas touched his shoulder. "I trust you," he offered.
"Thank you for that, mellon-nin," Aragorn said.
"Welcome, I was going for a ride, join me?" Legolas offered.
"I would be glad too. Where is your bodyguard?" Aragorn teased.
"Qui is helping with the decorating today. He and my father have forbidden me to leave without an escort," Legolas sighed.
"So that is why you invited me," Aragorn laughed.
Legolas just smiled. They went to the stables to fetch their horses and were soon riding away from the castle. It felt good to be away from the crowds for a while. Aragorn had to admit to that and it was obvious that Legolas was enjoying himself as well.
They stopped under a large tree to rest the horses. Legolas looked up at the tree and smiled.
"I hope you do not plan to climb that," Aragorn said.
"Why not? It is quite sturdy," Legolas said.
"Because I do not want to explain what happened to your father if you fall out of it and break your neck," Aragorn grumbled.
Legolas laughed. "Wood Elves do not fall out of trees, Aragorn. You want to climb up with me?" he challenged.
"There is a first time for everything and no, I do not want to climb up with you," Aragorn said.
"You are no fun, but I suppose you should not climb. You probably would fall out. Humans are not very good at climbing," Legolas teased.
Aragorn just snorted. He knew what Legolas was trying to do and he wasn't going to fall for it. "I will wait for you here until you come down, one way or the other," he said. He settled down on the ground, resting his back against the trunk.
Aragorn woke with a start to see it was dusk out. He'd slept for hours much to his annoyance. He stood and stretched. "Legolas? It is well past time for us to go back!" he called. There was no answer. "LEGOLAS!!"
"You do not need to scream," Legolas said reproachfully from behind him.
"Why did you let me sleep so late? Your father and Qui will want my head," Aragorn said. He turned to scowl at Legolas.
"No, they will not. It will be fine," Legolas said. "I had to get something."
It was then Aragorn noticed the plant Legolas was holding with its roots carefully wrapped. "What is that?" he asked.
"A Jarsuli bush, it symbolizes long life and happiness. It seemed like an appropriate gift. Do you not agree?" Legolas asked.
"Yes, I agree. Come on, we had better get back," Aragorn said.
They mounted their horses and rode back. Qui was waiting with a frown. *I was worried about you. Why did you not tell someone that you were leaving? Your father was worried too. He wants to see you right away* he signed.
Legolas dismounted as did Aragorn. "I will tend to the horses and by the way I told you so," he said.
Legolas scowled at him. "Oh, shut up," he said and went to find his father….
I know, not much action….Next the wedding!!