Second chances
By Sinful Starlet
Chapter Six - A new friendship
Disclaimer: see chapter one if you're really that interested, but once more for the record (all together now!) - Not mine, never will be, anything recognisable belongs to Tolkien and a very happy publishing company!
Rating: Still PG-13 unfortunately, I haven't worked out how to write angst with higher ratings yet! *SS*
Author's note: Well this is where it starts to get really complicated! Now Legolas can go back to Rivendell it should all be nice and plain sailing right?! Yeah, absolutely! *SS*
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Chapter Six - A new friendship
Summary: Story continues. Legolas can at last return to Rivendell, and he forges a new relationship along the way. *SS*
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Legolas had finally managed to escape the company of the guards Thranduil had sent with him for a moment. Thranduil in no way doubted his son's ability to protect himself, but with news of the evil returning to that part of the world, and mindful of the 'proper' way to do these things, he had sent Legolas with two servants of his to act as an escort. Legolas accepted the company, not gladly, but understanding his lack of choice in the area - it simply was not done for a young prince to travel through the wild on such a diplomatic mission without some kind of escort.
They were now but a few days from Rivendell, and though Legolas hated to delay even a second, he realised that his companions must take at least some rest. He left the two of them in a clearing, saying that he would fetch water for them all, and his two companions, now accustomed to the way in which this prince conducted himself, knew better than to try and contest his decision. Legolas walked relatively easily through the trees, guided ever onwards by the sound of the water, remembering how he and Arwen had spent so many hours beside that same river, so many years ago.
He never fully relaxed his guard though, and he managed to bring himself to a halt quickly when he glimpsed the sight of another figure by the water's edge. He thought himself to be safely concealed, and was indeed surprised when the figure stood, turning in his direction and called him to come forth. The figure was a man (clearly a Ranger, Legolas perceived, having had dealings with several of his kind in the past) roughly dressed with his hair hanging in unkempt locks around his face. His face was stern, though it contained some trace of nobility Legolas thought, and he saw some kindness in the man's eyes. He would have felt no cause for alarm at all, had it not been for the bright sword, drawn and held not quite threateningly, but certainly to give warning.
He deliberated for a second or so, but then decided to meet the man after all. He drew no weapon of his own, knowing if need be he could certainly reach either of the long knives hanging at his belt before the man could cause him any injury (his bow and quiver he had left with his two guardians). He felt he must learn something of this man though, if only how the man had managed to hear him approaching, which he thought would have required elvish skill. He stepped out from behind the trees, holding his hands up before him to show that he meant no harm to the other.
Once he had a glimpse of his silent observer, Aragorn sheathed his sword again, anxious not to be seen as overtly hostile now he recognised the figure as an elf. He regarded the elf quizzically as he moved towards him through the trees. Though all elves maintained an ageless appearance, he could tell that the one standing before him was still relatively young in this world. He was dressed simply but well, in greens and browns that looked plain but were clearly of better stuff than the scraps of tattered fabric that covered his own form. The plainness of his attire was accented not by any jewel or finery, but by the golden hair which fell, neatly braided, about his shoulders.
He was clearly not one of the elves of Rivendell, Aragorn perceived, as they had more of a tendency towards darker hair and eyes. Nor did he seem to be of Lothlórien, though he possessed something of the ethereal grace that those people embodied. "I apologise for my intrusion", Legolas said, startling the man by speaking first. "I came merely to find water for myself and my companions, I meant not to startle you". Even if Aragorn had been blind at that moment, he would have been able to tell the figure before him as an elf. There was no disguising the softly spoken but musical lilt of their voices. It was a very pleasing sound, and Aragorn himself, could not help but smile at the sound of it.
"Interrupt me, you did", he replied, still smiling, "but it should not follow that the intrusion be unpleasant". The elf regarded him curiously as he spoke, one eyebrow arching thoughtfully. "You are indeed a quiet one!", Aragorn went on, as Legolas still had not spoken, "I already have told you, you have nothing to fear from me, but still you do not speak - will you not at least tell me your name?" "You forget, friend", Legolas said, starting to smile a little himself, "that you have not yet offered your own, but if you desire mine, then you shall have it. I am Legolas, envoy of Mirkwood, sent to the council of Lord Elrond of Rivendell". He chose not to reveal his royal heritage for the time being, instead waiting to hear how the stranger would react to what he had offered.
"Forgive me your highness", Aragorn said, a little startled at the news of the elf's name, "yours is indeed a good name. I was not aware that King Thranduil was in the habit of sending his own sons to the councils of Imladris". He could see that he had managed to surprise the elf in return by his knowledge of the elves, so he spoke again quickly before the other could question him again. "You are surprised by my knowledge of your house I see", he went on, "I have only visited there once, but was well-received by your father as a most gracious host. He spoke of you more than once with great pride which I see was well-deserved".
"And you are far more eloquent than most Rangers I have encountered!", Legolas said, almost laughing now, and seeing a smile in return on Aragorn's face. "I am sorry to have missed you in your visit to my house, but I do not yet know who I am thanking for his compliments!" Aragorn's smile widened as he realised that he actually hadn't revealed his name yet! "You are right", he said, "and I am gifted with many names as a Ranger so often is, but my true name is Aragorn, though I was taken in by Lord Elrond as a foster son and am named 'Estel' by him".
The name of Estel wasn't known to Legolas, though he of course knew it's meaning. Aragorn though, was most definitely known to him. His studies in the library of his father had encompassed more than merely elven histories and he knew enough of the history of men to recognise that name. "The name of Aragorn is not lost to me certainly", he replied reverently, "I have heard much of the heir of Isildur, and the Rangers I have met are full of tales of you". Aragorn felt a slight pang at hearing the name of his ancestor, a part of his life he was not yet fully comfortable with, but he could sense that the young prince was making an effort to please him and he smiled accordingly.
"Well it appears that you and I are headed for the same destination", he said at last, "I too was summoned to Lord Elrond's council and was at his house not long ago. I have been travelling his borders these last few days while the remaining parties arrived, searching for any news of the Black Riders". Legolas' heart stilled for a second, knowing full well the story of the ring wraiths and wondering on what errand they had been called forth again. He sensed however that it was neither the time nor the place to discuss such matters. He nodded in understanding to Aragorn's remarks, but made no immediate response.
"Well", he said finally, "in light of your news, it is perhaps best that I and my companions journey on to Imladris at once, I fear it unwise to hesitate any further". "You are right", Aragorn agreed, growing more serious for a minute, "but if you journey that way, let me ride with you, for I too must return there". Legolas nodded in agreement, pleased despite his concerns about the Black Riders that he would now have someone other than his two guards to talk to. Aragorn went to retrieve his horse then, while Legolas replenished the water supplies of himself and his companions, and they returned together to the clearing where Legolas had first rested.
The two elves were a little surprised to see Legolas with Aragorn, but Legolas explained to them quickly in a few words of Elvish who he was and that he would be travelling with them now. The servants quickly readied themselves and the horses to leave again, while Legolas turned back to find his new friend smiling at some private joke. "Did you not think", Aragorn said when he saw the questioning look upon Legolas' face, "that in all my time in Rivendell I would not have picked up a little Sindarin myself, young Greenleaf?"
Legolas wasn't sure whether to be embarrassed or just surprised, but he gave both up, instead merely laughing softly. "You are clearly wise beyond your years, Estel", he said, "come, we will ride together - I would learn more of this mysterious Ranger yet!" Aragorn laughed too, bowing somewhat unnecessarily and mounting his horse again, riding 'til he drew level with the prince. "Lead on then friend", he said, "and learn what you will!"
Quick note here - I might have to slow down on posting this story a little because I haven't actually finished it yet! Hopefully I should get some time to work on it soon, in between uni stuff. Anyway I'll do my best to keep updating, hope you're still enjoying it! *SS*