Part 59

Legolas wordlessly ran the soft bristle brush over Arod's white coat, giving it a sheen. He had settled his faithful and beloved horse in the stables already, and cherished this brief solitude granted him.

" My people would love you, Arod. Such a fine horse you are. Lord Eomer was more than generous to give you to a complete stranger."

Legolas talked quietly to the horse, which obviously gave no reply.

" One day, Arod, you shall be done with your life as a war horse. And you will see better days and run freely in the forests of Mirkwood. And in the sun you shall live peacefully and beneath the bough of tree and verdant leaves. Yes, Arod, you shall indeed see better days."

Legolas faintly smiled as he spoke of his home,the way he remembered it as it was when he was a child. Mirkwood had been a haven of peace and calm,of exquisite beauty that always seemed to take his breath away whenever he returned home from a trip.

But Wargs and spiders now plagued those lands. And for long, the Mirkwood Elves had battled the Southerlings, those barbaric people which Saruman now used for his own purposes. A shadow hovered over Mirkwood that had been there since before Legolas had left and still lingered there now.

These things troubled the prince's mind. And as the only child of the king, all of these affairs were just as much as his burden as they were his father's. Legolas was one of the leading commander's of Mirkwood's army,one of the best warriors and without a doubt,the best archer in all of his realm. It would also not be too fantastical to say that he was the best archer in all of Middle Earth. He played a tremendous role in the political and military affairs of his kingdom. And indeed, Mirkwood now felt the absence of their prince.

That was why it had been a difficult decision to join the fellowship. He had not been completely sure of himself when he had volunteered, and he still questioned himself now. Had it really been a responsible thing to do for him to have left his post to join the quest when his own country,his own people need him? Was that really the way a king would act? Legolas thought not. But he could not go back on it now. And besides, indeed his duty was to his country but was not his duty to Middle Earth as whole of higher importance? Legolas sighed at his thoughts.

He also felt frustrated and disappointed in his own race. The Elves should aid their Men in their struggles,in these battles. Haldir had.Legolas felt a subdued pain in his chest at the thought of his old friend who had not too long ago passed away. Haldir had brought some of Lothlorien's army to the Battle of Helm's Deep and, indeed, it had greatly helped the people of Rohan rise to victory. But Legolas still felt like the Elves could be more willing. After all, had not the two races of Elves and Men shared a strong alliance for millennia? Where it had all gone now?

" You've brushed that same spot about fifty times now ", came a voice,interrupting the Elf's thoughts.

Legolas peered over his shoulder to see Aragorn leaning against the door post,his arms crossed as they often were.He turned his gaze back Arod and continued brushing,despite Aragorn's remark.

The ranger approached the Elf from behind and gently laid a his hand on his friend's shoulder. Legolas shuddered at this.

" What is wrong, mellonin? " the man asked kindly.

" Nothing ", said Legolas in a murmur,but Aragorn and already seen that answer coming.

" Then why are you so withdrawn? " he persisted.

Actually, Legolas was typically withdrawn and did not show his emotions freely. He was silent and lethal. Legolas was often referred to as Mirkwood's Assassin in other lands besides his own.

" I.I just feel like being quiet right now, 'tis all. I am weary of speaking ", Legolas replied,a bit unsure of himself.He ceased to brush Arod's coat.

" I, too, am weary,Legolas. But if you are not all right,you should express it. Not withdraw into yourself ", Aragorn sighed.

Legolas did not answer at once, only stared hard at his own hand still slipped into the horse coat brush.

" I'm going with you ", he said finally.

" Going with me? What do you mean? " Aragorn questioned.

" You choose to take the Paths of the Dead. I have chosen that as well, and I will follow you."

Legolas said this with a certain finality in his voice that reassured both Aragorn and himself that he was indeed going. Aragorn only gripped his best friend's shoulder tighter, and Legolas reached up and clasped it.