Many hours had passed since leaving Rivendell, evening was drawing close,
and some of the less experience members of the Fellowship were growing
weary. The four Hobbits had not travelled at such vigorous paces before,
and trying to keep up with some of Middle Earth's finest warriors, was
tiresome and hard work.
"Right, I am going no further tonight," declared Gandalf, leaning on his staff, and looking around in satisfaction. They had stopped in a small clearing in a forest, surrounded by trees of a light green colour. The sun was slowly setting, casting blood red rays over everything in its path.
"It took long enough for you to say so," chimed in Pippin, flopping onto the ground, and pulling a half-eaten carrot from his pocket.
"Where did you get that?" demanded Merry in amazement. "I thought you had finished all of yours. I did."
Pippin grinned, and mockingly waved the vegetable at his friend. "My dear Meriadoc, I am not so greedy that I cannot save a single carrot for the journey. Nor am I so generous as to share some of this delightful food with you."
"Fool of a Took," muttered Gandalf, as the Hobbit unconsciously broke off a bit of his carrot, and handed it to Merry.
Shaking his head in amusement, Aragorn looked around to check on his other companions. Frodo looked cheerful, bright eyed and rosy cheeked. The Ranger knew, however, it would not be long before the young one under his care started to feel the seductive pull of the Ring.
"I know what it is that you think," murmured Boromir, following Aragorn's gaze. "But it is admirable that Frodo is willing to go so far to destroy the Ring. Do you think he will be the same after this is all over?"
"All over? We have only just started out," laughed Aragorn.
Boromir nodded, and flicked his eyes across to Legolas. The Elf was standing quietly on his own, staring around the clearing, doubt and worry etched on his face. He held his bow loosely, and looked as though he was seriously fighting some strong desire to leave.
"And what of him?" asked Boromir softly. "You and he are good friends, are you not?"
"Legolas? Yes, he is my closest friend," replied Aragorn, ending the sentence in a deep, though unreadable sigh. "But sometimes I feel as though...No, it matters not."
"You sometimes feel what?" pressed Boromir, unstrapping his large shield, and sitting down on the ground.
Aragorn shook his head, not wanting to land Legolas in an unexplainable situation. "It is nothing important. He is just a little distant sometimes, reluctant to speak his mind."
"He did not seem that reluctant at the Council," said Boromir, remembering how the Elf had stood up to him, and spoken strongly earlier that day.
"I meant about his feelings," said Aragorn quietly. He sighed once more, and mentally shook himself. "I am worrying about nothing, Boromir. He has always been this way, and there is nothing that I can do to change it."
Boromir was about to question this, when Gimli came up behind them, and threw himself somewhat grumpily onto the ground. "Honestly, those confounded Elves," he huffed. "You try and hold a conversation with them, but all you get back is cold silence. I will not bother again, if that is the kind of reception I get."
"What exactly did you try and talk about?" asked Boromir tentatively, shooting Aragorn an amused glance.
Gimli shook his head in annoyance, and ran a finger absentmindedly along the blunt edge of his axe. "I thought that Elves enjoyed being under the trees, and around nature. When I mentioned how good it must be for Legolas to be in a forest such as this, he shot me a nasty look and turned away. Honestly, and the manners of Dwarves are scorned at."
"There is a reason for that," came a soft voice behind them. It was Legolas.
A noise of impatience was made from Gimli, but Aragorn put a hand on Legolas' shoulder, and guided him away from the small group. The Elf despised being controlled, especially by his own friend, but kept silent and did not protest.
"Legolas, I am sorry. I should've spoken to Gandalf, and reminded him that we would be better off resting somewhere else," said Aragorn in low tones.
"What do you mean?" asked Legolas, though he had an idea of what was coming.
Aragorn grimaced, wondering how best to voice his thoughts without causing the Elf too much distress. "I merely thought that, should we stay in a clearing like this, you may be...well, reminded of the fire back in Mirkwood. I feared that you would...think of...Airë-
Legolas held up a hand, wordlessly cutting Aragorn off mid-sentence. "Your concern was un-necessary. I am not so traumatized that I cannot sit in a clearing."
"I'm sorry," said Aragorn softly. "I was wrong to jump to such conclusions."
No answer came from the Elf. Instead, he chose to briefly incline his head, before turning and walking back to the others. A small fire had been started, and Legolas sat down on Gandalf's left hand side, quietly refusing a bowl of stew made by Sam's hand, and in Sam's saucepans. He stared into the fire, sorrow flashing through his deep blue eyes.
Aragorn sighed, mentally cursing himself over and over again. Of all the things he could've said, why did he mention the fire? And Airëlus? That was a no-go area with Legolas. Sighing for the fourth time since entering the clearing, Aragorn turned and made his way back to the Fellowship. Boromir was in the middle of speaking, and everyone was listening intently. That is, all except Legolas, who had not directed his gaze away from the flames.
"Faramir is younger than I," said Boromir. "I get on well with him, though the relationship he has with our father is not good. In fact, it is far from it. Faramir tries hard to please him, but it seems as though anything he does is never good enough."
Sam clicked his tongue sympathetically, before looking over at Legolas. Although Boromir's talk was interesting, the Hobbit found himself intrigued and wanting to know more of the quiet Elf. He opened his mouth to say something, clearly thought better of it, then shook his head and closed his mouth.
"I believe that Master Samwise would like to ask a question," said Gandalf.
Sam blushed and shot his companions an apologetic look before speaking. "Forgive me, but I was wondering if we might hear something from Legolas. Only, I have always been fascinated by the Firstborn, and to be in the company of one is truly an honour."
Legolas showed no clear signs of having heard the comment, but both Aragorn and Gandalf, who knew what to watch for, thought they caught a slight flicker in his eyes. However, he continued to drum his fingers slowly on the ground, not once looking away from the fire or acknowledging the others.
"My dear Elf, we require your presence here with us," said Gimli. "Would you be so kind as to grace us with it?"
Blue eyes were slowly raised, and flicked from one curious face to another. "I'm sorry. What was it you were saying?" he asked softly.
"I...I was wondering if you might tell us a little of your home and family," replied Sam, feeling somewhat nervous under the cold gaze fixed on him.
"There is not a lot to say," said Legolas shortly.
"You must have something to share with us," piped up Pippin. "After all, you must have lived so many years, and-
"I can assure you there is nothing," said Legolas through gritted teeth, clenching his fists.
Gandalf looked across and Aragorn and nodded reassuringly, before turning his attention back to Legolas. "Why not humour the Hobbits, and speak of your family?" he asked, hoping that this would help the Elf to open up a little bit.
Legolas chewed on his lip, wondering why Gandalf had just said that. Shaking himself, he looked at Sam, who was waiting on tenterhooks. Aragorn glanced across at Legolas, trying to catch his attention. Nothing happened though, for although the Elf knew full well that he was being watched, he chose not to respond.
"My father is Thranduil, King of Mirkwood," said Legolas, ending the sentence in a sigh. "My mother died a long time ago, so long that I cannot remember her."
'There is no truth to that, mellon nin,' thought Aragorn, concealing a sad smile.
""How did she die?" asked Frodo softly, sympathising with Legolas, as he himself had lost both parents, and knew what it was like.
Legolas looked across at the Hobbit, and slowly shook his head. "Like I just said, I cannot remember her. I was young when she died. So you see, I have nothing of great importance to talk about. Maybe you should ask someone else to speak about their lives."
Sam's face fell, for he was disappointed that there would be no interesting tales of great Elven battles. "Then, what about any brothers or sisters? Do you have any of those?"
The quick and direct question was not what Legolas expected to be thrown at him, and his head snapped up. "No, I don't. I am an only child. Or at least, there are no brothers that I know of."
Soft sounds of amusement were heard throughout the clearing, though it was obvious that a deep and secret past lay hidden behind the Elf's light words. It was also clear to the older ones, that it was a deep and secret past that Legolas had no wish to share with anyone. Aragorn leant forwards then, sensing that his friend was feeling uncomfortable.
"Just through those trees," began the Ranger, pointing behind him, "is a large pool. The water is fresh. Why don't you little ones go and wash?"
The four Hobbits nodded and got to their feet, Merry and Pippin a little more quickly and eagerly than Frodo and Sam. The latter pair were somewhat reluctant to leave the warmth of the fire, but both preferred to heed the words of Aragorn, who was greatly admired by them.
"I think that I will go and make sure that no trouble is caused. Will you two be joining me?" asked Gandalf, getting to his feet and looking from Boromir to Gimli. Indeed, the only reason he was leaving was so that Aragorn and Legolas could talk in privacy.
Boromir nodded and wordlessly got to his feet, for he had also sensed that the Elven Prince and Ranger needed some time to speak. Gimli however, was still resting luxuriously against a log, oblivious to any movement going on around him.
"Come, Gimli. Let us leave these two to clear up," said Gandalf, nudging the Dwarf with his foot.
"Eh? Ah yes, quite," said Gimli. He pushed himself off the ground and ambled away through the trees after an amused Gandalf and Boromir, leaving Legolas and Aragorn alone.
The Ranger watched his friend through the dancing flames for a minute, before getting up and going to sit next to him. Legolas did not look up for a few seconds, but when he did, his eyes spoke clearly of his gratitude.
"Thank you, Estel," he said softly.
"That's alright. I know that you do not like speaking in front of people about what happened," replied Aragorn. "But you know, there is one person who you should feel able to talk to about anything."
Legolas bit his lip, and genuine confusion flashed through his eyes, hurting Aragorn deeply. "What do you mean?"
"I am always here for you, Legolas. I will listen to absolutely anything that you want to talk about, and believe me when I say that I can help you," explained Aragorn.
"I have no need for help, nor do I have any wish to talk," said Legolas shortly. When Aragorn sighed deeply, the Elf gave a rare smile to take the edge from his words. "Really, I am fine. Look, how about we go and see what the others are doing?"
Aragorn closed his eyes for a brief moment as Legolas got to his feet. "If you are fine, as you say you are, then why deny having any brothers? And why say you cannot remember your mother? I know that you can."
Freezing in his tracks, Legolas clenched his fists in front of him, fighting hard to keep calm. "Do not press the matter, Estel. "With that, he shook his head in annoyance, and walked through the trees, following the path that the others had taken.
"I am merely concerned for you, mellon nin," muttered Aragorn, also standing up and going after Legolas. "If only you could see that I only want to help."
............................................................................................................
Sadistra: Hey, you're my first reviewer! I'm not actually sure if the last one was AU, but although this one is set at the time of the Fellowship, it is AU.
Fuji the Hobbit: Hmm. Have to wait and see! LOL
Rachel13: Hiya! You're story sounds fun. Is it up yet? I'll go check it out.
Deana: Hi, thanks for the praise! :)
Irish QT: Don't worry, there should be a chapter up each day, cos I've already written 11, but I didn't do that with my other stories.
Silwen Aurdomiel: Hiya! Update your story!
Legolas-gurl888: Hi, glad you liked it. I sent you an e-mail earlier. :)
Elven Kitten: Yes, that last sentence did sound kinda...ominous, didn't it? LOL
inu lover: That's bad about your story being taken down. Though, I did wonder where it was, cos it was on my fave's list, but then it disappeared. :( Are you gonna post it again?
Jennifer: OK, well I'm not quite sure how many Elven years have passed; they confuse me! But at the time of 'A Brother's Jealousy', Legolas was 16. Now he's...I don't know. However old he is in human terms in the films. :)
Someone Reading: Glad you like it. That was a really nice comment that you made. Thanks!
Mellaithwen-Angel Maiden: Thanks for the compliment! Frodo was evil in that story you read? Different! Sorry you had to wait for this one for so long though!
Lady of the Twilight Woods: Yeah, there is a LOT of angst!
If anyone else has reviewed and I missed you out, I'm really sorry! Anyway, I'd just like to say that Legolas is NOT gonna be like some moody teenager. He's just been traumatized, that's all. Anyway, speak to you all soon! Luv Misto x-x
"Right, I am going no further tonight," declared Gandalf, leaning on his staff, and looking around in satisfaction. They had stopped in a small clearing in a forest, surrounded by trees of a light green colour. The sun was slowly setting, casting blood red rays over everything in its path.
"It took long enough for you to say so," chimed in Pippin, flopping onto the ground, and pulling a half-eaten carrot from his pocket.
"Where did you get that?" demanded Merry in amazement. "I thought you had finished all of yours. I did."
Pippin grinned, and mockingly waved the vegetable at his friend. "My dear Meriadoc, I am not so greedy that I cannot save a single carrot for the journey. Nor am I so generous as to share some of this delightful food with you."
"Fool of a Took," muttered Gandalf, as the Hobbit unconsciously broke off a bit of his carrot, and handed it to Merry.
Shaking his head in amusement, Aragorn looked around to check on his other companions. Frodo looked cheerful, bright eyed and rosy cheeked. The Ranger knew, however, it would not be long before the young one under his care started to feel the seductive pull of the Ring.
"I know what it is that you think," murmured Boromir, following Aragorn's gaze. "But it is admirable that Frodo is willing to go so far to destroy the Ring. Do you think he will be the same after this is all over?"
"All over? We have only just started out," laughed Aragorn.
Boromir nodded, and flicked his eyes across to Legolas. The Elf was standing quietly on his own, staring around the clearing, doubt and worry etched on his face. He held his bow loosely, and looked as though he was seriously fighting some strong desire to leave.
"And what of him?" asked Boromir softly. "You and he are good friends, are you not?"
"Legolas? Yes, he is my closest friend," replied Aragorn, ending the sentence in a deep, though unreadable sigh. "But sometimes I feel as though...No, it matters not."
"You sometimes feel what?" pressed Boromir, unstrapping his large shield, and sitting down on the ground.
Aragorn shook his head, not wanting to land Legolas in an unexplainable situation. "It is nothing important. He is just a little distant sometimes, reluctant to speak his mind."
"He did not seem that reluctant at the Council," said Boromir, remembering how the Elf had stood up to him, and spoken strongly earlier that day.
"I meant about his feelings," said Aragorn quietly. He sighed once more, and mentally shook himself. "I am worrying about nothing, Boromir. He has always been this way, and there is nothing that I can do to change it."
Boromir was about to question this, when Gimli came up behind them, and threw himself somewhat grumpily onto the ground. "Honestly, those confounded Elves," he huffed. "You try and hold a conversation with them, but all you get back is cold silence. I will not bother again, if that is the kind of reception I get."
"What exactly did you try and talk about?" asked Boromir tentatively, shooting Aragorn an amused glance.
Gimli shook his head in annoyance, and ran a finger absentmindedly along the blunt edge of his axe. "I thought that Elves enjoyed being under the trees, and around nature. When I mentioned how good it must be for Legolas to be in a forest such as this, he shot me a nasty look and turned away. Honestly, and the manners of Dwarves are scorned at."
"There is a reason for that," came a soft voice behind them. It was Legolas.
A noise of impatience was made from Gimli, but Aragorn put a hand on Legolas' shoulder, and guided him away from the small group. The Elf despised being controlled, especially by his own friend, but kept silent and did not protest.
"Legolas, I am sorry. I should've spoken to Gandalf, and reminded him that we would be better off resting somewhere else," said Aragorn in low tones.
"What do you mean?" asked Legolas, though he had an idea of what was coming.
Aragorn grimaced, wondering how best to voice his thoughts without causing the Elf too much distress. "I merely thought that, should we stay in a clearing like this, you may be...well, reminded of the fire back in Mirkwood. I feared that you would...think of...Airë-
Legolas held up a hand, wordlessly cutting Aragorn off mid-sentence. "Your concern was un-necessary. I am not so traumatized that I cannot sit in a clearing."
"I'm sorry," said Aragorn softly. "I was wrong to jump to such conclusions."
No answer came from the Elf. Instead, he chose to briefly incline his head, before turning and walking back to the others. A small fire had been started, and Legolas sat down on Gandalf's left hand side, quietly refusing a bowl of stew made by Sam's hand, and in Sam's saucepans. He stared into the fire, sorrow flashing through his deep blue eyes.
Aragorn sighed, mentally cursing himself over and over again. Of all the things he could've said, why did he mention the fire? And Airëlus? That was a no-go area with Legolas. Sighing for the fourth time since entering the clearing, Aragorn turned and made his way back to the Fellowship. Boromir was in the middle of speaking, and everyone was listening intently. That is, all except Legolas, who had not directed his gaze away from the flames.
"Faramir is younger than I," said Boromir. "I get on well with him, though the relationship he has with our father is not good. In fact, it is far from it. Faramir tries hard to please him, but it seems as though anything he does is never good enough."
Sam clicked his tongue sympathetically, before looking over at Legolas. Although Boromir's talk was interesting, the Hobbit found himself intrigued and wanting to know more of the quiet Elf. He opened his mouth to say something, clearly thought better of it, then shook his head and closed his mouth.
"I believe that Master Samwise would like to ask a question," said Gandalf.
Sam blushed and shot his companions an apologetic look before speaking. "Forgive me, but I was wondering if we might hear something from Legolas. Only, I have always been fascinated by the Firstborn, and to be in the company of one is truly an honour."
Legolas showed no clear signs of having heard the comment, but both Aragorn and Gandalf, who knew what to watch for, thought they caught a slight flicker in his eyes. However, he continued to drum his fingers slowly on the ground, not once looking away from the fire or acknowledging the others.
"My dear Elf, we require your presence here with us," said Gimli. "Would you be so kind as to grace us with it?"
Blue eyes were slowly raised, and flicked from one curious face to another. "I'm sorry. What was it you were saying?" he asked softly.
"I...I was wondering if you might tell us a little of your home and family," replied Sam, feeling somewhat nervous under the cold gaze fixed on him.
"There is not a lot to say," said Legolas shortly.
"You must have something to share with us," piped up Pippin. "After all, you must have lived so many years, and-
"I can assure you there is nothing," said Legolas through gritted teeth, clenching his fists.
Gandalf looked across and Aragorn and nodded reassuringly, before turning his attention back to Legolas. "Why not humour the Hobbits, and speak of your family?" he asked, hoping that this would help the Elf to open up a little bit.
Legolas chewed on his lip, wondering why Gandalf had just said that. Shaking himself, he looked at Sam, who was waiting on tenterhooks. Aragorn glanced across at Legolas, trying to catch his attention. Nothing happened though, for although the Elf knew full well that he was being watched, he chose not to respond.
"My father is Thranduil, King of Mirkwood," said Legolas, ending the sentence in a sigh. "My mother died a long time ago, so long that I cannot remember her."
'There is no truth to that, mellon nin,' thought Aragorn, concealing a sad smile.
""How did she die?" asked Frodo softly, sympathising with Legolas, as he himself had lost both parents, and knew what it was like.
Legolas looked across at the Hobbit, and slowly shook his head. "Like I just said, I cannot remember her. I was young when she died. So you see, I have nothing of great importance to talk about. Maybe you should ask someone else to speak about their lives."
Sam's face fell, for he was disappointed that there would be no interesting tales of great Elven battles. "Then, what about any brothers or sisters? Do you have any of those?"
The quick and direct question was not what Legolas expected to be thrown at him, and his head snapped up. "No, I don't. I am an only child. Or at least, there are no brothers that I know of."
Soft sounds of amusement were heard throughout the clearing, though it was obvious that a deep and secret past lay hidden behind the Elf's light words. It was also clear to the older ones, that it was a deep and secret past that Legolas had no wish to share with anyone. Aragorn leant forwards then, sensing that his friend was feeling uncomfortable.
"Just through those trees," began the Ranger, pointing behind him, "is a large pool. The water is fresh. Why don't you little ones go and wash?"
The four Hobbits nodded and got to their feet, Merry and Pippin a little more quickly and eagerly than Frodo and Sam. The latter pair were somewhat reluctant to leave the warmth of the fire, but both preferred to heed the words of Aragorn, who was greatly admired by them.
"I think that I will go and make sure that no trouble is caused. Will you two be joining me?" asked Gandalf, getting to his feet and looking from Boromir to Gimli. Indeed, the only reason he was leaving was so that Aragorn and Legolas could talk in privacy.
Boromir nodded and wordlessly got to his feet, for he had also sensed that the Elven Prince and Ranger needed some time to speak. Gimli however, was still resting luxuriously against a log, oblivious to any movement going on around him.
"Come, Gimli. Let us leave these two to clear up," said Gandalf, nudging the Dwarf with his foot.
"Eh? Ah yes, quite," said Gimli. He pushed himself off the ground and ambled away through the trees after an amused Gandalf and Boromir, leaving Legolas and Aragorn alone.
The Ranger watched his friend through the dancing flames for a minute, before getting up and going to sit next to him. Legolas did not look up for a few seconds, but when he did, his eyes spoke clearly of his gratitude.
"Thank you, Estel," he said softly.
"That's alright. I know that you do not like speaking in front of people about what happened," replied Aragorn. "But you know, there is one person who you should feel able to talk to about anything."
Legolas bit his lip, and genuine confusion flashed through his eyes, hurting Aragorn deeply. "What do you mean?"
"I am always here for you, Legolas. I will listen to absolutely anything that you want to talk about, and believe me when I say that I can help you," explained Aragorn.
"I have no need for help, nor do I have any wish to talk," said Legolas shortly. When Aragorn sighed deeply, the Elf gave a rare smile to take the edge from his words. "Really, I am fine. Look, how about we go and see what the others are doing?"
Aragorn closed his eyes for a brief moment as Legolas got to his feet. "If you are fine, as you say you are, then why deny having any brothers? And why say you cannot remember your mother? I know that you can."
Freezing in his tracks, Legolas clenched his fists in front of him, fighting hard to keep calm. "Do not press the matter, Estel. "With that, he shook his head in annoyance, and walked through the trees, following the path that the others had taken.
"I am merely concerned for you, mellon nin," muttered Aragorn, also standing up and going after Legolas. "If only you could see that I only want to help."
............................................................................................................
Sadistra: Hey, you're my first reviewer! I'm not actually sure if the last one was AU, but although this one is set at the time of the Fellowship, it is AU.
Fuji the Hobbit: Hmm. Have to wait and see! LOL
Rachel13: Hiya! You're story sounds fun. Is it up yet? I'll go check it out.
Deana: Hi, thanks for the praise! :)
Irish QT: Don't worry, there should be a chapter up each day, cos I've already written 11, but I didn't do that with my other stories.
Silwen Aurdomiel: Hiya! Update your story!
Legolas-gurl888: Hi, glad you liked it. I sent you an e-mail earlier. :)
Elven Kitten: Yes, that last sentence did sound kinda...ominous, didn't it? LOL
inu lover: That's bad about your story being taken down. Though, I did wonder where it was, cos it was on my fave's list, but then it disappeared. :( Are you gonna post it again?
Jennifer: OK, well I'm not quite sure how many Elven years have passed; they confuse me! But at the time of 'A Brother's Jealousy', Legolas was 16. Now he's...I don't know. However old he is in human terms in the films. :)
Someone Reading: Glad you like it. That was a really nice comment that you made. Thanks!
Mellaithwen-Angel Maiden: Thanks for the compliment! Frodo was evil in that story you read? Different! Sorry you had to wait for this one for so long though!
Lady of the Twilight Woods: Yeah, there is a LOT of angst!
If anyone else has reviewed and I missed you out, I'm really sorry! Anyway, I'd just like to say that Legolas is NOT gonna be like some moody teenager. He's just been traumatized, that's all. Anyway, speak to you all soon! Luv Misto x-x