Such Sweet Sorrow

Darkness plagued the quiet forests of Lothlorien, an unbearable melancholy nearly palpable. A shadowy silhouette sat quietly amongst the great mallorn trees in quiet serenity. Nearly hidden, only a hint of golden locks stands out amongst the gloom. 

            A tall fair-haired man stood in the distance, seen just barely by elf eyes. And what a sight it was. The man sat slumped against the trunk of a tree, broad shoulders dejected, and brilliant emerald eyes dulled with internal anguish and painful memories.

Seeing such a nobleman reduced to this state nearly broke the hidden elf's heart. Silently he crept through the trees to be better able to see and hear the melancholy warrior. Finally in the top branches of the tree against which the Man slumped, he rested in… anticipation almost.

The man, Boromir of Gondor, was not completely unaware of the elf's presence. The eery feeling of being watched had crept through his subconscious, leading him to demand, "Whoever you are, come down now!"

Legolas shifted and gracefully leapt down through the branches to confront the waiting man below. The man truly was impressive, for a human at least. Very few people, elves included would have felt his presence. Judging from the troubled look, Boromir was not happy to see him.

"What troubles make you heart ache so, Boromir?" asked Legolas.

Great! Just what I need, another source of confusion, thought Boromir. But still, something drew him towards Legolas and urged him to unburden himself. Drawing in a deep shuddering breath, he began.

"My heart is troubled by the fear that grows in my heart whilst my father's rule fails and our people lose hope and death to orcs and other horrible dark creatures. I sit here doing nothing, lazing in a magic forest while Sauron grows stronger and stronger!"

"And to make matter worse," he says, voice lowering to a near whisper, "I have lost my heart to one who does not return my affections.

Legolas listened carefully and attentively, his sorrow growing by the moment at the lost appearance of his companion. Wonder grew in his mind at the identity of this mysterious object of affection. Certainly not the hobbits or Gimli, Boromir's sensibilities wouldn't allow that, and who could really blame him? Gandalf, certainly not, Boromir's distrust of the wizard had always been obvious. Aragorn was only barely tolerated at times, certainly not lover material and since he had seemed to speak of someone fairly recently met, there was no one left except… Except himself.

"How can you be so sure Boromir?"

"What do you mean how can I be sure?" Boromir questioned softly.

"They're perfect, beautiful, intelligent, strong, cunning. How could someone like they like someone like me? I have little to offer, only a sword arm, nothing more."

Such a statement saddened the elf's fragile heart almost unbearably. How could the man be so blind? He was certainly no elf, but wise and beautiful for certain, in the ways of man at least. This man might be flawed but certainly undeserving of such anguish. And in that moment Legolas made a decision, a decision that would determine the course of their lives forever.

Disclaimer- I don't own Lord of the Rings or any of its assorted characters, they belong to J. R. R. Tolkien.

Author's note- Feedback would be wonderful; especially about characterization because this is the first time I've ever written about an elf, particularly Legolas.