Part 57

Legolas and Aragorn rode quietly,side by side. They were going at an easy pace since they were near to Helm's Deep. It was in the late afternoon now, and they rode in the wood,much to Legolas' content. Everything was a rich golden color in the light of the setting sun,and leaves floated mythically around them as they fell from the boughs of the trees. Legolas was indeed very calm in this place, and quiet in his thoughts.

" Legolas, what do you think of in your silence? " asked Aragorn.

The Elf did not answer at once and then spoke.

" Many things. Where,Aragorn, shall you go next? "

" I have thought over it. I shall go to Gondor,where surely I shall be needed. But the road I must to take get there is not a common one ",said the future king.

" In the millennia's of my lifetime, I have walked many roads. Tell me, Aragorn, what road do you intend to go?"

Aragorn paused for a moment, hesitant in revealing where he had chosen to go.

" The Paths of the Dead. "

And to this,Legolas said nothing. And his face was once again emotionless. He hid everything quite well. But inside,a great variety of feelings had sprung forth. Confusion, surprise, disbelief. And foremost, the realization and decision that he would follow.