Disclaimer: I own nothing, just my own silly thoughts…and they aren't worth anything, hehe.
Hi…*dodges the sharp objects thrown at my head* I know that it has been forever since I updated and I am very very very sorry. I just have been soooo busy, but I know that's no excuse. Here's the next chapter, I know, it's very short, but I wanted to put something up and it also felt like a good place to end.
Before he left for the dinning hall, Legolas straightened his hair and tunic. He was beginning to feel at ease in the presence of his friends, yet he could not forget the importance surrounding this casual hunting excursion. "He would not become a burden," he told himself as he shut the door to his room and headed to the hall. As he entered, Legolas was visibly surprised at what he found. The table, which could easily accommodate a dozen and a half people, was only set for three.
"I thought perhaps an intimate dinner would be more enjoyable," Aragorn said as he walked into the hall and found Legolas looking strangely at the table.
Legolas turned to face him, but did not meet his eyes. Instead, he stared at some apparently interesting speck on the floor. "I do not mean to impose," Legolas said quietly.
To Aragorn it sounded almost as if Legolas were ashamed of his own presence. "But surely that cannot be," Aragorn thought. "He is my friend. He must know that." Aragorn looked back at Legolas who continued to stare at the ground intently. Aragorn realized that he had been silent for too long. He stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on Legolas' shoulder. "Legolas, look at me," Aragorn demanded gently. "Your presence is a cause for celebration and would never be an imposition. I'm afraid that you are forever cursed to remain my friend," Aragorn joked in an attempt to lighten the mood and set his friend at ease. Legolas smiled slightly. "Well at least it's a start," Aragorn thought as Arwen walked into the room.
"I see my men have already arrived. Shall we begin then?" Arwen asked as she gestured to a chair for Legolas to sit in. Almost immediately the room filled with servants. One carried a large pitcher of wine and the others held various plates of food. Everything looked delicious and Legolas helped himself to a bit of each; however, he had no desire for the food and merely pushed it around with is fork.
"Is there something wrong, Legolas?" Arwen asked. This startled Legolas from his thoughts and he dropped his fork onto the plate. "Is there something wrong with the food?" Arwen asked again, but more gentle this time.
"Oh, no, everything is wonderful," Legolas replied as he proceeded to eat a large forkful of whatever was on his plate to verify his words.
Arwen smiled. She knew that Legolas had begun to eat only because she questioned his behavior. She had noticed upon his arrival that he was very thin and much paler than he ought to have been, yet, considering Thranduil's letter, it was to be expected. However, she would not allow Legolas to go gallivanting through the forest unless he had one good meal in his stomach.
Legolas continued to eat his meal in silence and only glanced up occasionally to nod and give a fleeting smile. He was ashamed at being read so easily. It was no wonder everyone deemed him incapable. He couldn't even hide his emotions for one meal! "He would have to work much harder to prove his worthiness to Aragorn," he scolded himself. It was his last chance.
***
The rest of dinner passed by easily enough. But one thing unsettled Aragorn: Legolas' averted eyes. Why did he refuse to look at him? This was so unlike Legolas; in fact, it was so unlike elves in general. It was as if he were ashamed or even afraid. But why would Legolas feel that way?
"You need to sleep my love," Arwen whispered into his ear. "You leave at dawn."
"I know," Aragorn sighed. He would get to the cause of all this strife soon enough and they would not return home until he did.
***
"It looks as though you will have wonderful weather, my lord," said one of Aragorn's men who was helping him prepare his horse.
"Yes, it does appear that way," Aragorn answered. Despite the fact that winter was almost here, the weather was warm and without the chill late autumn was known for.
"There, my lord, you are ready," said the man again as he clasped shut the last bag.
"Thank you. I believe it is now finally time to depart," said Aragorn with a smile. True, this trip would tackle the problems concerning Legolas, but still, he would be free of his royal duties and able to spend time with his friend. He was looking forward to finally getting a chance to relax, even if it was just slightly and for only a brief amount of time.
Aragorn looked to the edge of the forest. Legolas was already there, waiting for him. He could see him talking soothingly to his horse as he brushed her coat. So calm and relaxed he appeared now. "Was it his own presence that agitated Legolas?" Aragorn thought. No, for if that were true then in Mirkwood Legolas would be fine, and according to Thranduil's letter he was definitely not fine there either. Aragorn smiled now as Arwen appeared in his line of vision. She walked over to Legolas and took him in a deep embrace, finally placing a gentle kiss on his forehead. He knew she was worried about Legolas. Frankly, so was he. He took a deep breath as he saw Arwen now walking his way. He would find out what was bothering his friend, no matter what it took.
***
All of that was behind them now as they rode through the forest, side by side. It was so incredibly peaceful that they both quieted their troubles. Little did they know, however, of the troubles that lay ahead.
Hey all! I know this was pretty crappy, but the next one is good I promise. There is going to be some definite action in the next chapter and I think that you will like it! Please R&R! But try and be nice, hehe!
