Sorry about the long delay, but you know how life screws thing up sometimes…

Chapter 15--Making Amends

Legolas made his way to the railing of the ship and leaned against it, watching the wake. He knew he shouldn't be annoyed at Qui and Aragorn for having him bodily carried out of the fight, but he was. It made no sense, he had been unarmed and it was best he was out of the fight, but it still upset him. He frowned to himself. Unfamiliar footsteps sounded behind him and he turned to see an unfamiliar sailor standing behind him. "What is it?' he asked.

"You looked troubled…Legolas, right? I wondered if I could help?" the sailor asked.

"Nay, but thank you anyway," Legolas said, "and you are?"

"Sorry, I'm Taron," the sailor said, offering a hand.

Legolas took it politely though he usually didn't shake hands. "Pleased to meet you," he said.

"My pleasure as well, may I fetch you anything?" Taron asked.

"Nay, I'm fine," Legolas said again.

Taron nodded and returned to his duties.

Legolas sighed. Now even the sailors are fussing over me, he thought.

An hour or two later the bell rang to alert everyone that dinner was ready. Legolas headed for the galley though he wasn't very hungry. Just at the door, Legolas stopped and headed for the cabin he shared with Qui instead. He didn't want to eat. He wanted to be alone for a while, so he could get his thoughts in order.

Two hours later someone knocked on the door. When Legolas opened it. It was Taron, holding a tray. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I brought supper. I thought you might be hungry," Taron offered with a grin. He brushed past Legolas into the room and set the tray on the table.

Legolas's eyes narrowed. "I do not remember inviting you in and if I wanted to eat I could make my own way to the galley," he said. Taron's hurt look pricked Legolas's conscience. "Forgive me, I am weary and should not take it out on you."

"That is alright. The food is here if you want it. I will leave you to rest now," Taron said and left, closing the door.

"Now I am acting like a cranky child," Legolas muttered with a frustrated sigh. "What is the matter with me?"

Qui entered the cabin then and smiled at Legolas. "Are you still mad at me and Aragorn?" he asked.

"A little, I suppose, but you both did what you thought was right," Legolas said, "I will have to get new weapons now. Mine are lost."

"I fear you are going to be furious at us again. We retrieved your weapons, but in the heat of battle forgot about them," Qui said. He handed the weapons over.

"Are you and Aragorn going senile? I could have used these," Legolas grumbled then laughed a bit. "Just do not carry me out of a fight over your shoulder again and I will forgive you."

"Agreed, as long as it is not necessary to do so to save your life," Qui said.

"Fair enough," Legolas agreed. Suddenly he was starved. He went over to eat some of the food that had been brought. It was cold though. "I think I will raid the galley." He left the bow, but put on the knives before leaving the cabin, taking the tray with him.. It was quiet and dark in the galley and getting dark as the sun went down. he lit a lamp and threw away the cold food, then hunted around until he found cheese and bread. It was not an elegant meal, but it would serve. He sat down at the small table to eat.

Taron walked in. "Oh, good evening. I see you decided to eat after all," he said.

"Would you like to sit down?" Legolas offered. He still felt bad about how he'd treated Taron earlier. "I would welcome the company."

"I cannot. I am on duty now," Taron said coolly. He got a drink of water then left the galley.

I offended him quite badly, Legolas thought guiltily. I should try to apologize to him again later. He finished eating and left the galley…

Don't worry, the action will pick up again soon….R/R please!!!