Trees and Stone

Chapter 2

Usual disclaimer

…~…~…

Legolas stared up at his ceiling, his mind replaying the conversation he heard between Kathios and Elrond, and what had just happened in the courtyard. The worst part about it was that he didn't even know Kathios. And Kathios didn't know him. He just didn't understand why he should hate him so. But then something entered his mind that he had never thought of before. Why did he hate the dwarves when he did not even know them? He shook his head and released the thought. He would think about that later. Now, it was not important.

…~…~…

Elrond walked swiftly through the halls of his home. He saw Glorfindel walking in the opposite direction. He bowed when he reached Elrond. "How are you, Elrond?" Glorfindel asked. Elrond sighed.

"Deeply annoyed." He answered.

"Why's that?"

"You know of Kathios?" Glorfindel nodded. "He keeps insisting that Legolas works for Sauron and that he is evil or something. He thinks he is more qualified to be on the journey than Legolas." Elrond told his friend. Glorfindel shook his head.

"He has always been that type of elf. He thinks he is much better than everyone in everything. Would you like me to talk to him?" He asked. Elrond shook his head.

"I tried that. I'm going to speak to Legolas at the moment." Elrond said.

"I shall come with you then." Elrond nodded and the two walked up to Legolas's room.

…~…~…

Legolas was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard a knocking at his door. "Come in." he said. The door opened and Elrond and Glorfindel walked in.

"I wish to speak to you about Kathios." Elrond said. "He is the elf who wanted to tell a tale when you were finished." Legolas nodded. He sat up in his bed and put his feet on the floor. Elrond sat down in a chair and Glorfindel stood. "I had a talk with him today, earlier, about you." Elrond started. Legolas nodded.

"Actually, M'lord, I heard it. I didn't mean to, I swear by the Valar, but I was out walking and I heard raised voices along with my name." Legolas hung his head. Elrond smiled.

"It's fine Legolas. It will save some explaining. Well, you see, Kathios is the type of elf who thinks he is better than everything, but I have not yet uncovered his real intentions for being so harsh against you. Indeed some elves think that Glorfindel should go in your stead, but many others do not mind, especially after the tale you told them." Elrond explained.

"And you must understand, Legolas, that I helped Elrond choose you to go with the Fellowship. I have not intention of going myself." Glorfindel said. "I have seen Mirkwood, and I am content. I also feel that I should stay here anyway." Legolas nodded in understanding.

"So, I do not know what to do about it, but if he bothers you before you leave, let me know and I shall deal with him. My only advice is to try to avoid him." Elrond told him. Legolas nodded once again.

"Thank you Lord Elrond." Legolas said quietly. He smiled and stood from his chair.

"Please do not keep yourself locked in here all day, Legolas." Glorfindel said before he left the room. Legolas smiled, and Glorfindel shut the door behind him as he walked out.

…~…~…

Meanwhile, Kathios was storming though Rivendell. No body understood. And no one ever would. He did not have to tell anyone why he hated Legolas so. He had the right to keep it to himself. His storming soon led him back to the soldier barracks. He went inside his and saw a few of his comrades on their beds, either reading or writing a letter. When they heard the unnatural heavy footsteps of an elf, they all looked up.

"Hello Kathios." One said. Kathios said nothing and sat down on his bed. The elf who had spoken rolled his eyes and went back to his book.

"What is so special about Legolas Greenleaf?" he asked out loud. The elves stopped what they were doing again to look at Kathios.

"He is one of the best archers in Mirkwood, second only to his own father." One said.

"I've seen him use a bow. It's almost like a dance." Another said.

"He is close friends with Elladan and Elrohir." A third said.

"Close friends? Why?" Kathios asked.

"From what I heard, when they were younger, they played tricks on their elders." He replied. Kathios rolled his eyes and laid back on his bed.

"He should not be in the Fellowship. I should." He said resentfully. The other elves went back to what they were doing.

…~…~…

At dinner that night, Legolas came in a little late. There was only two open seats. One next to Kathios (of course), and one next to an old dwarf. Kathios snorted when he saw Legolas's situation. Surely he would not sit beside the dwarf. Then he could tell Legolas what he thought of him.

"Ah! Laddie!" The dwarf said, waving his hand. "Come here!" Legolas walked to the dwarf. "I heard your story earlier today!" He said. Legolas smiled and sat down beside the dwarf. The dwarf then started talking about how he remembered when that happened.

Legolas sighed inwardly sighed in relief. From the head of the table, Glorfindel and Elrond both gave each other looks of relief. Kathios swore to himself.

…~…~…

"Needless to say, my father was not happy after that." Legolas finished off his tale of a feast when he was an elfling. The little elves at his feet laughed. Their parents stood by and watched.

The elves and visiting dwarves and men were all outside in the warm night air, sitting around little fires, talking and telling stories. When Legolas finished his tale, Mithrander approached him. "Legolas, this came from your father." He said, handing Legolas a seal envelope. Legolas excused himself from the elflings and went to read his letter.

Legolas~

I congratulate you on being chosen to join the Ring Bearer to Mount Doom. I pray, my son, that you have a safe return.

However, I do not bring you all good news. The orcs and spiders have been moving closer and closer to our home, and keeping them at bay is becoming more and more difficult. Please do not let this keep you from your quest. We will be fine. Your mother sends her love, as do your brothers. We love you and hope you return home soon.

Love~

Ada

Legolas gripped the edges of the parchment. He missed his family more than he let on. He missed his trees. He closed his eyes. Sighing, his folded the letter up and put it back in the envelope.

Kathios was watching him from a shadowed corner. He noted that Legolas's blue eyes were full of sadness. Grinning, he pushed himself off the wall of the building and made his way over to the wood elf.

…~…~…

Ha! Cliffee! ß That's how cliffee should be spelled. Haha. Anywho, I'm gonna upload this chapter and chapter 1, then continue with chapter 3. Review!

Banana Nut Muffin