Author's Note: Ah, finally an update. I apologize for the inconvenience of
those who were actually waiting for this chapter, but this one is fairly
long and entertaining, at least I think so, so hopefully it will be worth
it. Right then, not much more to say except that I still make absolutely
no money from my writing (poor penniless writer) and there would be no
point to sue as I would be unable to pay you money anyway. Maybe if I
become really rich, then you can sue me, or just enjoy the story, either
way, to each his own! And p.s. I looooooooove reviews, so let me know what
you think!
Chapter 6
A few hours had passed since Gimli and Legolas had gone to see Aragorn and Legolas found himself once again following the dwarf into the large dining hall. It was time for the evening meal, and the dwarf was never one to be late for such important matters.
Legolas looked about impassively as soon as they stepped within the room. Apparently they were early. The room was almost empty, and Legolas knew from experience that many normally attended the meals with their royalty, wanting to be in the company of their king, and Aragorn was only too happy to oblige. His heart was large and he never could turn anyone away.
Legolas and Gimli took their seats near the head of the table. They sat together on the side that would be Aragorn's left hand, and they knew that across from them on the king's right hand would be the queen Arwen. Such was the arrangement in which they always sat.
Only a few minutes had passed before the doors opened again and Aragorn and Arwen stepped inside hand in hand. All those that were in the dining hall immediately stood in respect, Legolas and Gimli included. Legolas was slightly confused at the sight of the royal pair; they were always the last to walk in. This meant that they were not early after all, apparently there was not going to be a large number of people in attendance for the meal.
Despite the confusion at this, Legolas could not help but notice that something inside of him was secretly pleased.
Solemnly, the king and queen of Gondor made their way to the head of the table where they then broke off from each other to take their appointed seats. Only when both Aragorn and Arwen were seated did everybody else retake their seats. Then the meal was served.
Throughout the course of the meal, in which there was little to no conversation between the few attendees, Legolas found himself constantly watching the Evenstar seated across the table from him. And it was hardly her beauty and mannerism that held him so spellbound, though Legolas would be among the first to defend her honor against anybody who dared to defile her person or name in any way, but the way in which she interacted with the humans that were present. She smiled openly at them and easily made light conversation while the ones serving her looked as though it would be torture for them to leave her side and only did so to see to others reluctantly. She looked untouchable and unfathomable to anybody, yet there was never any hesitation to have a chance to interact with her.
A feeling of disquiet tried to uncoil within Legolas and he willfully pushed it down.
He would not allow himself to ponder on it for too long, for he knew what would come of letting his emotions have free reign, but he could not help but wonder at the ease of the humans around her. In his experience, humans were often aloof towards him. They respected him, of that he had no doubt, but it was with a cool detachment that was more awe than anything else. Legolas had always accredited this to the fact that he was an elf, one of the First Born. Men could do nothing but silently admire him. Yet here was Arwen, an elf as well, but treated almost as an equal. Not an equal in the sense that she was treated like a normal human, but the reverence held for her was the same to that as Aragorn, open and unyielding admiration, sometimes even bordering on love.
For his part, Legolas loved them both and would protect them to the bitter end, but he felt that he had earned that right. Aragorn was the only human he had ever had an extreme closeness with, and though that was partially due to their trials with the Fellowship, Legolas always knew that he was a Dunadan and of the blood of Numenor, he was no ordinary human. The only other man Legolas had had close contact with was Boromir, also due to the Fellowship. Unfortunately, he had died early in the mission, and Legolas had not gotten a chance to see if he could forge a bond with a man that was not of extraordinary lineage. Of course there was always his brother Faramir, a man Legolas had much contact with in the restoration of Ithilien, but their relationship was mainly business and though they had a strong trust for each other, Legolas knew that their friendship would never equal that of him and Aragorn.
That was as close to men Legolas got, and he was not exactly displeased that his interactions with them was limited. Yet again, that was due to the fact that Legolas assumed it was because of what he was. It confused him to see the easy exchanges between the elf queen and her human subjects.
'Why should they not love the lady Arwen? She is of a beauty they have never seen with a gentleness to match. There is no fear instilled in them towards the lady. There is fear, however, when confronting a deadly assassin. No matter how heroic your deeds may seem, they can sense the truth lying within you. It is not hard to see the unrest and indifference to violence in your eyes. It is not their fault that they are cautious.'
Legolas sat still as the poisonous thoughts filled his head. He could not deny the truth in the words. It was obvious that even though both he and Arwen were elves there was a vast difference between the two. It was only because the men were not stupid that they kept their distance.
Legolas felt a sharp jab to his ribs and he pulled himself up straight in his chair, his focus shattering as his head jerked to the side to see what was wrong.
Gimli sat still in his own seat next to Legolas, his eyes fixed and condemning upon the elf. "Were you never taught proper manners when at the table?" he whispered with a false ferocity. "It is not polite to stare into space while leaving your plate untouched. Very rude to be wasteful."
Legolas let a smile crack his lips. He would hardly ever understand dwarves, but he was glad that Gimli was his friend. "I would never wish to be rude while I was a guest," Legolas whispered back. And to prove it, he deftly placed a forkful of food into his mouth.
Gimli snorted and turned back to his own food, but Legolas could see the smile tugging at his own lips.
Suddenly in a much lighter mood, Legolas kept the bulk of his attention on the food for the rest of the meal and made sure that he cleared his plate.
When the meal was over, Legolas and Gimli hung back while most of the room emptied, including Arwen with a legion of faithful servants at her heels. After her exit, Aragorn turned to his two friends and beckoned them to come closer to him. Legolas and Gimli immediately surrounded Aragorn in a rough semi-circle and awaited what he had to say.
"I was unable to make a trip out to the murder site," Aragorn began, "and I do not feel that I shall. By now many people have been in the area and I assume that their footprints would only ruin any chances of mine being able to seek out signs of what happened. I have however issued a formal warning to the people and that they should not go out at night. I still pray that this was only a one time incident, but I cannot be sure of that. So I ask that you two remain on your guard and watch for suspicious happenings." Aragorn paused for a moment and eyed Legolas. "I do not want to create a panic over having all the guards placed on watch, especially since I trust you two more anyway. If you see anything at all, do not hesitate to use your judgement and take action."
Both the dwarf and the elf nodded when Aragorn was done speaking. It was not unusual for them to be put on the watch instead of some of the guards or warriors of Gondor, Aragorn would use them first and then take their advice on whether more security was necessary. So far, more security had never been necessary.
"I would like you both to do a light patrol tonight if you will," Aragorn added.
"Of course," Gimli stated immediately, "my axe has been idle for too long anyway."
Legolas only nodded his reply, not trusting himself to speak. He had a sinking feeling inside and he refused to let his thoughts through to explain it, knowing all too well it would only be more of the condemning self-talk that he had become so accustomed to. He would merely do what Aragorn asked him to do, that was all.
"I will be in my quarters all evening," Aragorn told them, "if anything comes up that you feel needs immediate attention, do not hesitate to come to me." Aragorn paused and a wistful smile came to his lips. "What I would give to be able to accompany you two once again. Unfortunately I feel it would cause more trouble than it is worth as it seems I am unable to venture anywhere these days without a small contingent at my back."
Legolas and Gimli grinned in their false sympathy. They knew it drove the old ranger mad to not be able to go where he wished on his own. They often even made fun of him for it, asking where his sitters to watch over him were on the few occasions he was able to be alone with them.
Aragorn passed a small grin as well, knowing full well what they were thinking, and gesturing with his hand led the way out of the dining hall. He went with the elf and the dwarf as far as the outside door, but when two guards materialized at his side from standing watch by the door, Aragorn bid his friends good-bye. With a rueful wave, the king turned back to be escorted down the halls to his living quarters.
"I will not be able to say that I envy him," Gimli muttered when the king was out of sight.
"Nor will I," Legolas agreed.
Gimli turned to face his taller friend, "Well, where shall we start our look-out?"
Legolas grinned. "As much as I am sure that you would love to begin your duties in the inn in order to question your beloved drink serving friend, I think that would not be the best place to fulfill our task."
Gimli grunted. "I assure you master elf that I am all about business tonight, no time for fun and ale when lives are at stake."
"Wisely admitted," Legolas replied, trying to assume a serious expression and failing.
"Perhaps we would be most effective if we split up," Gimli sighed in defeat.
Legolas sobered. "We would be able to cover more ground that way. I will patrol the edges of the woods, you can survey the town and the happenings here."
Gimli nodded, "Fair enough."
Legolas turned to begin to walk out to the tips of the trees but paused when the dwarf called out to him. "Yes?" Legolas asked with his head turned over his shoulder.
Gimli stood silent for a moment as if choosing his words carefully. "Do not hesitate to seek my help if you need it," Gimli finally said haltingly.
"Of course," Legolas replied and turned his head to continue on his path.
Gimli sighed as he watched his friend go. He had an uneasy feeling about all of this and he knew how much of the elvish pride his friend had. He would not be asking for help even if it meant his life. "Happy hunting," Gimli muttered after his friend before turning to start his own rounds.
Legolas passed out of the city and was within reach of the trees in no time. He walked along the tips of the trees, his senses tuned into the slight song of the wood. They would let him know if anything was happening within their boundaries.
Soon, with only his own thoughts to keep him company as he walked along the trees in the somber twilight, his momentary light-heartedness faded and he fell unwillingly back into the melancholy that was plaguing him. As much as he tried to keep it at bay, he could not help his idle thoughts breaking through.
'Of course Aragorn lets the killer have the first watch. The hunt is the only way to occupy your time.'
Legolas shook his head. He had had enough of thinking like that. He would not allow himself to do it any longer. In defiance and desperation to occupy his mind, Legolas started to sing softly as he walked. He sang an ancient song he had not heard since his childhood, one with many verses. It would keep his mind busy for some time.
By the time he had completed the whole of the song, it was well into night and the moon had risen high over his head. There was little light save from the moon and the stars, but Legolas could see clearly anyway. Enough to see somebody approaching from a distance and from the direction of Gondor.
Legolas stopped. His singing had occupied him so that he had almost forgotten his purpose for being out here. He knew that he was nearing the trails that would take one to Ithilien and that was the main reason people came out this way, but hardly ever at night and alone. Legolas melted into the trees so that he could observe without being seen and find out why a lone person was coming his way.
A small thought that this could perhaps be the rogue elf entered his mind, but Legolas pushed it away when it became clear from the manner in the walk that the individual was human. Besides, Legolas thought to himself, there is no rogue elf.
When the person was about thirty yards from him, Legolas could make out that it was definitely a human and a female at that. Legolas' confusion escalated. Aragorn had said that he had issued a warning, so why would a lone female be out in the middle of the night?
The woman came straight to the trees before pausing at them. She seemed to be doubtful about her course and only after a deep breath did she take one step into the trees. Legolas decided to do something.
"What are you doing out alone at nightfall?" Legolas asked as he stepped out of the shadows.
Even though he spoke softly and with no signs of a threat in his voice, the woman whirled around to face him as though she had been startled by a large noise behind her. Her breath caught in her throat and Legolas could see her eyes go wide.
"Who are you?" she gasped, her voice hinting the edge of hysteria.
Legolas held up his hands in an effort to calm her. "Peace, I am Legolas and was sent to keep watch tonight."
Some of the woman's panic melted and her muscles unlocked from the tight hold she had been unconsciously in. She studied Legolas, but he doubted that she could make out much in the dim lighting.
"Where have I heard that name before?" she said absently.
"Perhaps from tales of the Fellowship," Legolas suggested. He could tell that that was exactly where she recognized him from the way her eyes widened again.
Legolas held himself still, waiting for her to show signs of fear mixed with awe and for her to try to step away from him as so many others did, but her reaction surprised him. She stepped towards him and latched onto his arm in excitement and desperation.
"Oh thank the Valar. Can you help me? My brother went to deliver a message to Ithilien over a month's time ago. He promised to be back within three weeks and with the recent murder I have been torn with worry."
Legolas removed her hand from his arm and covered it with his own. "Have you reported this to anyone else?"
The woman shook her head dismally. "They always say that his journey merely took longer than he anticipated. They never dispatch help right away and even my own family claims that he is probably well, but I cannot sleep and the murder only makes me more anxious."
Legolas nodded, "I understand. I will travel with you a little of the way to Ithilien, but we shall not go all the way. If there is no sign of him, I will report this to King Elessar in the morning and see that he sends out runners to seek for your brother."
The woman nodded even though she looked slightly disappointed. Legolas guessed it was due to the fact that she wanted her brother found right away and did not necessarily trust that people would be sent out tomorrow to look for him.
Legolas squeezed the woman's hand. "I give you my word that all will be done to find him," he promised.
The woman nodded again, this time more forcefully and followed silently as Legolas let go of her hand and turned to lead the way into the dark trees. He picked the most traveled path to Ithilien and started that way. Dimly, Legolas thought of Gimli and the fact that he was momentarily abandoning his post of watching the borders.
They had not even traveled for more than twenty minutes when Legolas stopped, his arm held out to stop the woman as well. She paused and gripped Legolas' arm again, her uneasiness mounting when she noted the still posture the elf was in.
"What is it?" she whispered, a note of panic in her voice.
Legolas did not reply, only strained his senses as far as they would go. He heard a disturbance in the hum of the trees, as if they were agitated by a presence in the wood, the way they would be if a large predator had entered.
A warg? Legolas questioned the possibility of such an animal being around. There were hardly ever reports of wargs being so close to Gondor, especially since the War of the Ring, but it was not entirely unheard of.
But that did not seem right and Legolas noted that something inside of him was telling him to get out of there and back to the relative safety of the city. Legolas wanted to comply to that feeling.
'Since when does a warrior run from a fight?' the condemning thoughts were back.
'When there is an innocent to protect,' Legolas thought back forcefully. He could not risk exposing the woman to a danger that he was unsure of.
Shutting off his mind to anymore inner battles, Legolas deftly readied his bow with an arrow and started to move backwards. The woman noticed the weapon drawn and clung even tighter to the elf's arm, even if it would prove to hinder his movements if they were indeed attacked.
"What is it?" she whispered again.
"I know not," Legolas finally answered her. "But we need to get out of here." And with one last sweep of the dark trees before him with his eyes, Legolas turned and quickened his step, almost dragging the woman with him as she tried to keep up with his pace without letting go of his arm.
"But my brother," she gasped.
"If you wish to live to see your brother you will leave now," Legolas answered harshly. The woman said no more and only concentrated on keeping up with the elf's long stride.
When they were almost halfway back to the edges of the trees Legolas stopped again. He still could not see or hear anything, but his inner intuition was screaming at him to turn and defend himself.
Legolas turned, wrenching his arm free of the woman as he simultaneously fired an arrow into the darkness behind him. He did not even see where his arrow went.
He was distracted even as he turned by a sudden scream from the woman and then a lick of pain at his side. Legolas turned his head to see the hilt of a knife protruding from his side and the woman next to him staring transfixed in horror at it.
Legolas was suddenly thrown off by a very disoriented feeling, akin to when he had been unsure of whether he was recollecting his thoughts or back in the present, only much more intense. His senses were still screaming at him to face front, the back from where he had just been standing, but the real attack was coming from the side the woman stood on. Legolas closed his eyes and waited for the torn feeling to pass.
Chapter 6
A few hours had passed since Gimli and Legolas had gone to see Aragorn and Legolas found himself once again following the dwarf into the large dining hall. It was time for the evening meal, and the dwarf was never one to be late for such important matters.
Legolas looked about impassively as soon as they stepped within the room. Apparently they were early. The room was almost empty, and Legolas knew from experience that many normally attended the meals with their royalty, wanting to be in the company of their king, and Aragorn was only too happy to oblige. His heart was large and he never could turn anyone away.
Legolas and Gimli took their seats near the head of the table. They sat together on the side that would be Aragorn's left hand, and they knew that across from them on the king's right hand would be the queen Arwen. Such was the arrangement in which they always sat.
Only a few minutes had passed before the doors opened again and Aragorn and Arwen stepped inside hand in hand. All those that were in the dining hall immediately stood in respect, Legolas and Gimli included. Legolas was slightly confused at the sight of the royal pair; they were always the last to walk in. This meant that they were not early after all, apparently there was not going to be a large number of people in attendance for the meal.
Despite the confusion at this, Legolas could not help but notice that something inside of him was secretly pleased.
Solemnly, the king and queen of Gondor made their way to the head of the table where they then broke off from each other to take their appointed seats. Only when both Aragorn and Arwen were seated did everybody else retake their seats. Then the meal was served.
Throughout the course of the meal, in which there was little to no conversation between the few attendees, Legolas found himself constantly watching the Evenstar seated across the table from him. And it was hardly her beauty and mannerism that held him so spellbound, though Legolas would be among the first to defend her honor against anybody who dared to defile her person or name in any way, but the way in which she interacted with the humans that were present. She smiled openly at them and easily made light conversation while the ones serving her looked as though it would be torture for them to leave her side and only did so to see to others reluctantly. She looked untouchable and unfathomable to anybody, yet there was never any hesitation to have a chance to interact with her.
A feeling of disquiet tried to uncoil within Legolas and he willfully pushed it down.
He would not allow himself to ponder on it for too long, for he knew what would come of letting his emotions have free reign, but he could not help but wonder at the ease of the humans around her. In his experience, humans were often aloof towards him. They respected him, of that he had no doubt, but it was with a cool detachment that was more awe than anything else. Legolas had always accredited this to the fact that he was an elf, one of the First Born. Men could do nothing but silently admire him. Yet here was Arwen, an elf as well, but treated almost as an equal. Not an equal in the sense that she was treated like a normal human, but the reverence held for her was the same to that as Aragorn, open and unyielding admiration, sometimes even bordering on love.
For his part, Legolas loved them both and would protect them to the bitter end, but he felt that he had earned that right. Aragorn was the only human he had ever had an extreme closeness with, and though that was partially due to their trials with the Fellowship, Legolas always knew that he was a Dunadan and of the blood of Numenor, he was no ordinary human. The only other man Legolas had had close contact with was Boromir, also due to the Fellowship. Unfortunately, he had died early in the mission, and Legolas had not gotten a chance to see if he could forge a bond with a man that was not of extraordinary lineage. Of course there was always his brother Faramir, a man Legolas had much contact with in the restoration of Ithilien, but their relationship was mainly business and though they had a strong trust for each other, Legolas knew that their friendship would never equal that of him and Aragorn.
That was as close to men Legolas got, and he was not exactly displeased that his interactions with them was limited. Yet again, that was due to the fact that Legolas assumed it was because of what he was. It confused him to see the easy exchanges between the elf queen and her human subjects.
'Why should they not love the lady Arwen? She is of a beauty they have never seen with a gentleness to match. There is no fear instilled in them towards the lady. There is fear, however, when confronting a deadly assassin. No matter how heroic your deeds may seem, they can sense the truth lying within you. It is not hard to see the unrest and indifference to violence in your eyes. It is not their fault that they are cautious.'
Legolas sat still as the poisonous thoughts filled his head. He could not deny the truth in the words. It was obvious that even though both he and Arwen were elves there was a vast difference between the two. It was only because the men were not stupid that they kept their distance.
Legolas felt a sharp jab to his ribs and he pulled himself up straight in his chair, his focus shattering as his head jerked to the side to see what was wrong.
Gimli sat still in his own seat next to Legolas, his eyes fixed and condemning upon the elf. "Were you never taught proper manners when at the table?" he whispered with a false ferocity. "It is not polite to stare into space while leaving your plate untouched. Very rude to be wasteful."
Legolas let a smile crack his lips. He would hardly ever understand dwarves, but he was glad that Gimli was his friend. "I would never wish to be rude while I was a guest," Legolas whispered back. And to prove it, he deftly placed a forkful of food into his mouth.
Gimli snorted and turned back to his own food, but Legolas could see the smile tugging at his own lips.
Suddenly in a much lighter mood, Legolas kept the bulk of his attention on the food for the rest of the meal and made sure that he cleared his plate.
When the meal was over, Legolas and Gimli hung back while most of the room emptied, including Arwen with a legion of faithful servants at her heels. After her exit, Aragorn turned to his two friends and beckoned them to come closer to him. Legolas and Gimli immediately surrounded Aragorn in a rough semi-circle and awaited what he had to say.
"I was unable to make a trip out to the murder site," Aragorn began, "and I do not feel that I shall. By now many people have been in the area and I assume that their footprints would only ruin any chances of mine being able to seek out signs of what happened. I have however issued a formal warning to the people and that they should not go out at night. I still pray that this was only a one time incident, but I cannot be sure of that. So I ask that you two remain on your guard and watch for suspicious happenings." Aragorn paused for a moment and eyed Legolas. "I do not want to create a panic over having all the guards placed on watch, especially since I trust you two more anyway. If you see anything at all, do not hesitate to use your judgement and take action."
Both the dwarf and the elf nodded when Aragorn was done speaking. It was not unusual for them to be put on the watch instead of some of the guards or warriors of Gondor, Aragorn would use them first and then take their advice on whether more security was necessary. So far, more security had never been necessary.
"I would like you both to do a light patrol tonight if you will," Aragorn added.
"Of course," Gimli stated immediately, "my axe has been idle for too long anyway."
Legolas only nodded his reply, not trusting himself to speak. He had a sinking feeling inside and he refused to let his thoughts through to explain it, knowing all too well it would only be more of the condemning self-talk that he had become so accustomed to. He would merely do what Aragorn asked him to do, that was all.
"I will be in my quarters all evening," Aragorn told them, "if anything comes up that you feel needs immediate attention, do not hesitate to come to me." Aragorn paused and a wistful smile came to his lips. "What I would give to be able to accompany you two once again. Unfortunately I feel it would cause more trouble than it is worth as it seems I am unable to venture anywhere these days without a small contingent at my back."
Legolas and Gimli grinned in their false sympathy. They knew it drove the old ranger mad to not be able to go where he wished on his own. They often even made fun of him for it, asking where his sitters to watch over him were on the few occasions he was able to be alone with them.
Aragorn passed a small grin as well, knowing full well what they were thinking, and gesturing with his hand led the way out of the dining hall. He went with the elf and the dwarf as far as the outside door, but when two guards materialized at his side from standing watch by the door, Aragorn bid his friends good-bye. With a rueful wave, the king turned back to be escorted down the halls to his living quarters.
"I will not be able to say that I envy him," Gimli muttered when the king was out of sight.
"Nor will I," Legolas agreed.
Gimli turned to face his taller friend, "Well, where shall we start our look-out?"
Legolas grinned. "As much as I am sure that you would love to begin your duties in the inn in order to question your beloved drink serving friend, I think that would not be the best place to fulfill our task."
Gimli grunted. "I assure you master elf that I am all about business tonight, no time for fun and ale when lives are at stake."
"Wisely admitted," Legolas replied, trying to assume a serious expression and failing.
"Perhaps we would be most effective if we split up," Gimli sighed in defeat.
Legolas sobered. "We would be able to cover more ground that way. I will patrol the edges of the woods, you can survey the town and the happenings here."
Gimli nodded, "Fair enough."
Legolas turned to begin to walk out to the tips of the trees but paused when the dwarf called out to him. "Yes?" Legolas asked with his head turned over his shoulder.
Gimli stood silent for a moment as if choosing his words carefully. "Do not hesitate to seek my help if you need it," Gimli finally said haltingly.
"Of course," Legolas replied and turned his head to continue on his path.
Gimli sighed as he watched his friend go. He had an uneasy feeling about all of this and he knew how much of the elvish pride his friend had. He would not be asking for help even if it meant his life. "Happy hunting," Gimli muttered after his friend before turning to start his own rounds.
Legolas passed out of the city and was within reach of the trees in no time. He walked along the tips of the trees, his senses tuned into the slight song of the wood. They would let him know if anything was happening within their boundaries.
Soon, with only his own thoughts to keep him company as he walked along the trees in the somber twilight, his momentary light-heartedness faded and he fell unwillingly back into the melancholy that was plaguing him. As much as he tried to keep it at bay, he could not help his idle thoughts breaking through.
'Of course Aragorn lets the killer have the first watch. The hunt is the only way to occupy your time.'
Legolas shook his head. He had had enough of thinking like that. He would not allow himself to do it any longer. In defiance and desperation to occupy his mind, Legolas started to sing softly as he walked. He sang an ancient song he had not heard since his childhood, one with many verses. It would keep his mind busy for some time.
By the time he had completed the whole of the song, it was well into night and the moon had risen high over his head. There was little light save from the moon and the stars, but Legolas could see clearly anyway. Enough to see somebody approaching from a distance and from the direction of Gondor.
Legolas stopped. His singing had occupied him so that he had almost forgotten his purpose for being out here. He knew that he was nearing the trails that would take one to Ithilien and that was the main reason people came out this way, but hardly ever at night and alone. Legolas melted into the trees so that he could observe without being seen and find out why a lone person was coming his way.
A small thought that this could perhaps be the rogue elf entered his mind, but Legolas pushed it away when it became clear from the manner in the walk that the individual was human. Besides, Legolas thought to himself, there is no rogue elf.
When the person was about thirty yards from him, Legolas could make out that it was definitely a human and a female at that. Legolas' confusion escalated. Aragorn had said that he had issued a warning, so why would a lone female be out in the middle of the night?
The woman came straight to the trees before pausing at them. She seemed to be doubtful about her course and only after a deep breath did she take one step into the trees. Legolas decided to do something.
"What are you doing out alone at nightfall?" Legolas asked as he stepped out of the shadows.
Even though he spoke softly and with no signs of a threat in his voice, the woman whirled around to face him as though she had been startled by a large noise behind her. Her breath caught in her throat and Legolas could see her eyes go wide.
"Who are you?" she gasped, her voice hinting the edge of hysteria.
Legolas held up his hands in an effort to calm her. "Peace, I am Legolas and was sent to keep watch tonight."
Some of the woman's panic melted and her muscles unlocked from the tight hold she had been unconsciously in. She studied Legolas, but he doubted that she could make out much in the dim lighting.
"Where have I heard that name before?" she said absently.
"Perhaps from tales of the Fellowship," Legolas suggested. He could tell that that was exactly where she recognized him from the way her eyes widened again.
Legolas held himself still, waiting for her to show signs of fear mixed with awe and for her to try to step away from him as so many others did, but her reaction surprised him. She stepped towards him and latched onto his arm in excitement and desperation.
"Oh thank the Valar. Can you help me? My brother went to deliver a message to Ithilien over a month's time ago. He promised to be back within three weeks and with the recent murder I have been torn with worry."
Legolas removed her hand from his arm and covered it with his own. "Have you reported this to anyone else?"
The woman shook her head dismally. "They always say that his journey merely took longer than he anticipated. They never dispatch help right away and even my own family claims that he is probably well, but I cannot sleep and the murder only makes me more anxious."
Legolas nodded, "I understand. I will travel with you a little of the way to Ithilien, but we shall not go all the way. If there is no sign of him, I will report this to King Elessar in the morning and see that he sends out runners to seek for your brother."
The woman nodded even though she looked slightly disappointed. Legolas guessed it was due to the fact that she wanted her brother found right away and did not necessarily trust that people would be sent out tomorrow to look for him.
Legolas squeezed the woman's hand. "I give you my word that all will be done to find him," he promised.
The woman nodded again, this time more forcefully and followed silently as Legolas let go of her hand and turned to lead the way into the dark trees. He picked the most traveled path to Ithilien and started that way. Dimly, Legolas thought of Gimli and the fact that he was momentarily abandoning his post of watching the borders.
They had not even traveled for more than twenty minutes when Legolas stopped, his arm held out to stop the woman as well. She paused and gripped Legolas' arm again, her uneasiness mounting when she noted the still posture the elf was in.
"What is it?" she whispered, a note of panic in her voice.
Legolas did not reply, only strained his senses as far as they would go. He heard a disturbance in the hum of the trees, as if they were agitated by a presence in the wood, the way they would be if a large predator had entered.
A warg? Legolas questioned the possibility of such an animal being around. There were hardly ever reports of wargs being so close to Gondor, especially since the War of the Ring, but it was not entirely unheard of.
But that did not seem right and Legolas noted that something inside of him was telling him to get out of there and back to the relative safety of the city. Legolas wanted to comply to that feeling.
'Since when does a warrior run from a fight?' the condemning thoughts were back.
'When there is an innocent to protect,' Legolas thought back forcefully. He could not risk exposing the woman to a danger that he was unsure of.
Shutting off his mind to anymore inner battles, Legolas deftly readied his bow with an arrow and started to move backwards. The woman noticed the weapon drawn and clung even tighter to the elf's arm, even if it would prove to hinder his movements if they were indeed attacked.
"What is it?" she whispered again.
"I know not," Legolas finally answered her. "But we need to get out of here." And with one last sweep of the dark trees before him with his eyes, Legolas turned and quickened his step, almost dragging the woman with him as she tried to keep up with his pace without letting go of his arm.
"But my brother," she gasped.
"If you wish to live to see your brother you will leave now," Legolas answered harshly. The woman said no more and only concentrated on keeping up with the elf's long stride.
When they were almost halfway back to the edges of the trees Legolas stopped again. He still could not see or hear anything, but his inner intuition was screaming at him to turn and defend himself.
Legolas turned, wrenching his arm free of the woman as he simultaneously fired an arrow into the darkness behind him. He did not even see where his arrow went.
He was distracted even as he turned by a sudden scream from the woman and then a lick of pain at his side. Legolas turned his head to see the hilt of a knife protruding from his side and the woman next to him staring transfixed in horror at it.
Legolas was suddenly thrown off by a very disoriented feeling, akin to when he had been unsure of whether he was recollecting his thoughts or back in the present, only much more intense. His senses were still screaming at him to face front, the back from where he had just been standing, but the real attack was coming from the side the woman stood on. Legolas closed his eyes and waited for the torn feeling to pass.