The Brite One- Yes….Rosie has big, nasty, hairy Hobbit feet! She does not have a defect where she has perfect princess Disney feet! And Legolas and Maris are very good friends, he's her teacher and best friend and a little big-brother little sister thing. If it seems like they're more than that, they are allowed to tease one another and I'm allowed a little poetic license. After Maris finished arguing she got into the dress. And yes, Sam and Legolas' meeting should have been a little more sentimental but I have placed a time restraint on that chapter-Legolas and Maris should be hurried. And their relationship is supposed to be slightly puzzling, Rosie and Aragorn are confused too! And now on with the story.

~ Maris

Ch 6 Deep Regrets

            // Where is she? Where are they? If they don't show up soon ---\\

            // Calm down, my love. They will be here.\\ Aragorn's calm, quiet voice interrupted Arwen's nervous rantings. // And please stop pacing, it's making me dizzy,\\ he laughed. // I'm sure they'll be here. Maris is a smart, resourceful girl and Legolas is a very responsible Elf. They'll be here. Don't worry so much.\\ Aragorn reached over and pulled Arwen into his embrace.

            " Ahem." A soft voice interrupted. "Were you looking for us?" Maris asked.

            " Actually we were! Thank the Valar you're here! I was beginning to get worried."

            "Beginning to get worried? You were a nervous wreck." Aragorn laughed. "What's the matter, Legolas?"

            Legolas adjusted his sword belt. " Nothing, mellonamin. Don't worry, nothing is wrong." Legolas willed himself to believe what he said but knew that he didn't. To stop tears from filling his eyes, he forced himself to observe his surroundings. Aragorn and Arwen's tent was located on top of a lush hill overlooking Hobbiton. The tent itself was made of canvas, decorated with tapestries and rugs. Arwen was wearing a delicate white gown that floated about her like a mist of silk. She reminded Legolas of a raven haired angel, or, of Maris. He turned his thoughts to Aragorn. He looked regal in a black velvet tunic embroidered with the White Tree and seven stars of Gondor. His pants were also black, ending in rich leather boots. The winged crown of Gondor rested upon his brow and his hair flowed freely beneath it. Legolas felt the prickling of tears welling in his eyes.

            // Legolas? Mellonamin? Are you alright?\\ Maris asked, concern clear in her voice and shining in her bright eyes.

            // Yeah….I'll be fine, I'm fine.\\ Legolas blinked back tears. "How much time until the procession?"

            Arwen looked up. " About ½ an hour."

            "If you'll excuse me…" Legolas bowed and left the tent.

            // And where do you think you're going?\\

            // Good Evening, Valaniel.\\ Legolas shrugged.

            The elf tapped her slippered foot. // That's it? No explanation as to where you were all day? No 'How are you today, dear sister?'\\                            

            // Please, Valaniel. Just leave me alone. Please.\\

            She nodded. // Fine. But if you want to talk, I'm here.\\

            // Thank you Valaniel.\\ Legolas wandered of onto the surrounding forest, seeking solitude.

            // Where do you think you're off to?\\ A small figure appeared behind him. // What's wrong? And don't tell me 'nothing' because I'm not going to buy that. Please talk to me. We could always talk. Why won't you tell me?\\

            The pair reached a beautiful clearing. Legolas leaned against a tree and shut his eyes. Suddenly, the wave of tears he had been holding back for so long flooded his eyes, blurring his vision, racking his body as he fell to the ground.

            "Legolas!" Maris cried. "Legolas!" She dropped to her knees beside him. // What's wrong? Legolas, tell me. Please." She begged. "Legolas?" She gently brushed she tears from his face as she rocked him, trying to stem the sobs and provide what comfort she could. // Shhh. Everything will be alright. Shhhh.\\

            He lifted his tear-stained face to hers. // Thank you Maris, my friend. I'm so sorry. It's just….\\ Fresh sobs drowned out anymore words.

            // Legolas? It's ok.\\ Maris pulled him close.

            He sniffed and wiped his eyes. // Your parents will kill me. We're really late aren't we?\\

            // No, we've still got about 15 minutes. Would you like to talk?\\

            // I guess I'm just mourning for the road not taken. When I was back home, my father would tell me how happy I could be, with a family-a loving wife, children, the throne. I didn't want it. I went out with the patrol, then to Imladris. At Minas Tirith I watched my best friend get everything he could ask for- a wonderful wife, a daughter, love. Pippin has Diamond, Sam has Rosie and 13 children, Merry's married with children, even Gimli has found a Dwarf woman, Gimia. I have no one. Sure, parents, Valaniel, cousins, no others. No one to love me as a man.\\

            // If it counts for anything, Rosie likes you. You have plenty of women throwing themselves at your feet. To them, you are a prize worthy of fighting for.\\ Maris smiled. //You are loved as a man, and as a very dear friend. Come, we must get back. The royal procession will be waiting.\\ Maris helped him to his feet, dusted dirt from his tunic, wiped tears from his face. She took his hand and gently led him back to the gate.

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(a/n- AWWWWW isn't Leggy's emotional breakdown just SO cute?)