Ok folks, here's Chapter 2! I got an amazing response to the first chapter. Thank you for all your lovely reviews, and replies are below.
I have to say, the characters in this story are a little OCC. Legolas I think in particular. In my fics, he always seems to end up like that. I wonder why…
Once again, thanks for reviews, and Chapter 3 will be up in about a week's time.
Lainfaer
Anyways, I am putting a warning in all my chapters today. And it is…
DO NOT GET SUNBURNT ON YOUR BACK AND SHOULDERS! IT HURTS! A LOT!!!
Trust me; I am in considerable pain at the moment. And jet skis are fun!
Anyway, back to the chapter…
snakefeather – Oh he reacts alright! Glad you've liked it so far. Thanks for reviewing.
Merenwen Greenleaf – Of course you can have some more! Here you go! hands box of tissues alongside new chapter You were crying! Thanks for reviewing.
Lyn – A comedy adventure? Hey, that wouldn't be too bad actually! I'll work on it! I know what you mean about the whole promises thing. You'll find out what he meant in later chapters, promise! I have talent? blushes Thank you! Thank for reviewing too!
Deana – Excellent? I like that word! Thanks for reviewing, and enjoy the rest.
ElvenStar5 – Wow, what a load of compliments! Careful, my head just might explode! Heehee. The idea was kinda to get you guys hooked!
And yes, I really DO have chickens in my garden! And we bred our own chicks on 2001, but the foxes round out area got the last one a few weeks ago. :( No fair! They were gorgeous though! Thanks for reviewing!
Lothliana – Yes, I killed you! Get over it woman! You ain't started screaming yet, so I'll take that as a sign that I updated quickly enough. Thanks for reviewing!
Chapter 2: In the beginning…
(Set before Chapter 1.)
"As if you will ever beat me Aragorn!" Legolas shouted back over his shoulder as he galloped on, Gimli holding on for dear life to his waist.
"I'm catching up Legolas!" Aragorn shouted back, urging Brego on. Legolas laughed, and turned back to the way they were going. He dug his heels into Arods' sides slightly to push him that little bit further. The great horse sped up a little.
"Master Elf, unless you have forgotten, I am behind you on this horse!" Gimli called gruffly over the noise of the wind.
Legolas laughed again. "Do not fear Gimli, Arod will not let you fall unless I tell him to."
"Hmph."
Legolas just laughed, and turned back to see how far behind Aragorn was now. He was right on their heels. He turned back to Arod. "Noro lim Arod," he whispered into Arods' ears. The horse snorted and sped up.
"Cheater!" Aragorn called.
"It's called tactics Aragorn!" Legolas called back. "And Arod has an extra passenger, so by rights, you should be beating us."
"Yeah, well, you're as light as a feather, so one and a bit!" Aragorn shouted. Legolas just laughed again. They galloped on, drawing nearer and nearer to the small town they were trying to reach before night fell.
Legolas ended up the winner of their race, and as he drew up to the town gate, he congratulated Arod on winning. "Lle um quel Arod." Arod just snorted and nodded his head up and down. (You did well Arod.)
Just then, Aragorn pulled up beside them. "Well done Legolas," he said sourly.
Legolas raised an eyebrow. "Don't be jealous Aragorn. I have had many more years' experience than you have. I am naturally better at riding."
"Very well then. Come, let's get in and find somewhere to stay for the night." They were allowed into the small town, and rode slowly up through it, not trying to attract too much attention. Legolas wore his hood up, as many Men still disliked Elves.
They came to the local inn, and managed to get Arod and Brego stabled. "No maer," Legolas told Arod firmly. The horse just snorted in his face. "I mean it, behave yourself," Legolas said stroking his mane. Arod nodded, and the Elf smiled. "Good boy." He patted him one last time, and then went to find the other two. (Be good.)
They entered the inn, and found it full of drunken men and women. "Let's just get a room and get out of here," Legolas said quietly. Aragorn nodded, and they walked up to the bar. A young woman greeted them. "What can I do for you gents?" she asked politely, smiling.
"We would like a room please," Aragorn answered.
"Ok, and how many of you are there?"
"Three."
"Right, and I'll need to know your names." She was scribbling all the details down on a small piece of paper.
"Are the names really necessary?" Aragorn asked.
"'Fraid so. The boss don't like no strangers coming in here nowadays. He says all names must be known." She smiled sympathetically. "Sorry."
"There is no need to apologise milady," Legolas said softly stepping forward. "We will gladly give our names. I am Guryn, and this is my friend Strider," he said, pointing at Aragorn. "This is Gimli, down here," he said, pointing below the bar.
The girl looked over. "Oh a Dwarf! We haven't had a Dwarf in here for many years. Well thank you sirs. What else would you be wanting?"
"Food and drink if you please miss," Gimli said.
She laughed. "Very well. I'll have some brought up to your room. It's number 5, first floor. Go up the stairs, turn left, and it's the second one of the other side of the corridor. Here's your key." She passed a large brass key to Aragorn. "Enjoy your stay."
"Thank you very much," Aragorn replied gratefully, bowing his head a little.
She giggled. "You three are ever so polite. It makes a change to have half-decent folk in this place." She turned at a shout. "Oh please excuse me, the boss needs me." She smiled one last time, then scooted off.
They followed her directions, and came to their room. It had four beds, and a bay window. The fire was lit and burning nicely. A few lamps hung on the walls, and as they placed their bags on the beds, Aragorn walked round and lit them.
"It's not the best place in the world, but it will do," said Gimli, sitting down on the end of his bed.
"Its fine," Legolas agreed, sitting down and removing his hood. He shook out his long flaxen locks.
"She was nice," Gimli said, a small grin showing under his bushy beard.
Legolas looked at him. "What are you getting at Gimli?"
"Oh nothing. You seemed to like her."
"Like you said, she was very nice." Gimli just nodded. "Ok then."
"What? Gimli, don't get any ideas!" The Dwarf tried to hide his laugh, but couldn't.
"Right…" Legolas threatened. He picked up the nearest object, (his pillow) and threw it at Gimli's' head.
"Ow! Now you're for it Elf!" Gimli chucked it back, but Legolas ducked.
"You two stop acting like children," Aragorn laughed.
They looked at him. "Children? Excuse me Aragorn, Son of Arathorn; I am nearly 3,000 years old. I am quite a way off childhood!" Legolas argued. They all laughed, but stopped when there was a knock at the door.
"Legolas, hood up!" Aragorn hissed.
Legolas dived over the side of the bed as the door slowly opened. It was the same girl that had served them earlier. "Evening gents. I just brought your food and drink up."
"Thank you, er…"
"Chalibeth sir," she answered, setting the tray down on Legolas' bed. "Where is the other gentleman?"
"I am right here," answered Legolas, emerging from under the bed, hood now up and covering his face. "I dropped my…pillow," he said, picking up from off the floor where Gimli had chucked it. "It fell off." The other two turned away to hide their grins.
"Right," she replied slowly, looking a little confused. Legolas stood up and walked over to the others. She noted how gracefully he walked, and with no sound. "Well, if you need anything else, just give one of us girls a shout," she told them. "Sleep well sirs." She gave a small curtsey.
They smiled. "Thank you Chalibeth. We shall certainly do that," Aragorn said. She smiled, then left, glancing once more at Legolas as she closed the door.
"That was close," Legolas said, removing his hood again.
"Too close. We should be more careful," Aragorn said, taking his cloak off and slinging it across the back of a chair. He sat down on his bed, and swung his long legs up to lean back against the headboard. He rested his head on his palms. Legolas sat cross-legged on his bed, and Gimli sat on the edge of his, where his feet just scraped the floor. Aragorn lit his pipe, and lay, thoughtfully puffing it. "Where do we go from here then?" he asked. "If we're heading to Mirkwood, what is the best direction to go Legolas?"
"When we leave here, we should head north. When we get to the River Anduin, we'll have to work out some way to cross it. Then from there, it's easy." He started fiddling with a strand of hair.
"What's wrong melonin?" Aragorn asked, opening one eye to look at the Elf.
"Nothing melonin. I'm just looking forward to getting home and seeing my family again." Aragorn smiled. He knew how close Legolas was to his father and younger sister. "It has been too long since I have seen them."
"It has been many years since either of us has been home," Gimli agreed. "Most of my people now reside at Helms Deep of course, but there are still lots in Erebor."
"A lot of my friends dwell in Ithilien with me, but my family stayed in Mirkwood. Aenil wanted to come with me, but father wouldn't let her."
"Why?" Aragorn asked, sitting up.
Legolas shrugged. "I don't really know. I think he felt sad because I was leaving, and he didn't want to lose his only other child. It frightens him I guess."
"It would do. Maybe a surprise visit will do him good."
Legolas smiled. "Possibly."
The three talked for a long time, and drifted off to sleep one by one. Legolas was the last to fall asleep. He was thinking of home and the look on Aenils' face when he returned. It had been 10 years after all since he had last seen her. 10 years since the War had finished. For 10 years, he had been Elf-Lord of Ithilien, and Gimli was Lord of Helms Deep. Aragorn was King of Gondor, and everything seemed to be perfect.
But something was niggling at the back of Legolas' mind, and he couldn't place his finger on whatever it was. He fell asleep; trying to work out what was bugging him.
So, how was that? Good or not? Reviews would be absolutely wonderful, and I look forward to them! (I am a tad hyper by the way! Oops…)
Lainfaer