Wow. I know it has been some time since I last updated. See the sad
truth is that I went home from college and just ran out of time to do
anything! I am back at college and as long as I see that there is still
some interest in my sad little story, I will keep going! I do like it so
far and have much in mind. If you have any suggestions, send them my way.
( Thanks! Hope you enjoy.
Legolas watched Aragorn intently as the Ranger slept. He was tired in a very wonderful way. He had never had an experience like the journey he had just been on. His eyes had been opened to entirely new part of life that thus far had been a mystery to the already well-learned elf. The day had been filled with happy laughter and interesting news as Methil, Lancen, Havad, and Resiran had attempted to share with Aragorn what had transpired since the day of his departure some time ago. Nothing grievous had come to pass, at least nothing that the Rangers felt comfortable enough talking about in front of the elf that traveled with their beloved leader. Most of what they shared were amusing stories of little mishaps, mostly revolving around the family life of the Rangers.
Aragorn had listened keenly and smiled the first genuine smile Legolas had noticed since leaving Rivendell and the company of Arwen. More than anything Legolas observed that Aragorn was entirely at ease with these wardens of the wild. They were a family, this was easy to see.
Time had slipped by so quickly that Legolas could hardly believe when night had began to creep upon them. Aragorn also seemed surprised, but was eager to stop and rest once they had cleared the last trees of the dark forest. Legolas found it curious that the Rangers did not bind their horses to trees, but rather allowed the animals to be free. The horses, for their part, stayed close the encampment, just out of the area where the Rangers had laid their sleeping rolls. Aragorn had questioned Methil as to the safety of the area, asking if things had changed since he had last ridden from there. When he was assured that the area would be safe, a fire was lit and Legolas found himself once again engaged easily in conversation with the men. This time it was a rousing conversation of food and what was to be enjoyed that evening. Resiran was in charge of cooking and humbly apologized once to Legolas that it would be little close to that which a prince deserved. His apologies to Aragorn were also brief, but less formal, as if knowing that Aragorn could hardly have cared.
Legolas could hardly believe that Resiran had apologized at all. The food, though from a simple traveling pack, not unlike the one Legolas had searched through when he had discovered Aragorn, dying in the wood, was exceptionally good. It had been seasoned to perfection.
"Resiran, your meal was more than satisfying!" Legolas had remarked after the meal, drawing a pleased but embarrassed look from the Ranger. Aragorn had remained silent, merely smiling at his men. The Rangers had then prepared their bedrolls and arranged a watch regiment. Aragorn immediately took charge and claimed the first watch, but was heartily admonished by all four of his friends, even Lancen who seemed loathe to bring any sort of displeasure to his captain. They had argued for a few moments, Aragorn claiming that he was fully able to stand watch as he had been for the trip thus far. Legolas had watched with keep interest as they argued, trying not to smile too much. In the end they were all silent, Aragorn glaring at Methil in particular with an angry defeated look. Legolas gave Methil a vast amount of credit for his attempts not to look overly pleased at the fact that they had overridden what Aragorn had to say. Havad had eagerly pointed out to Aragorn that he had admitted earlier he was not up to his usual healthful self and none of them would ever dare to place him in danger. Their pure hearts and clear cries kept him from arguing too much.
Still grumbling, Aragorn had at least demanded that he check the perimeter and this the Rangers assented to as long as Lancen was to accompany him. Once they were gone, Resiran had apologized to Legolas, quickly attempting to explain that they were not trying to order their Captain around at all, but rather that they were trying to protect him from himself. Methil was about to jump in on the defense when Legolas stopped them with a laugh, explaining that they did not have to explain themselves. "Indeed, I am as worried about him as you are. He pretends it does not pain him, but I have seen him struggle to even re-mount Evaria as you will see in the morning. It is nothing serious, or I would have looked into it almost immediately. I believe that he will not be fully healed for some time."
"Are you sure he is all right?" the concern in Havad's voice was heavy and pained as though he expected to hear the worst.
"Strider may be a stubborn man, but, as I have seen surely, he is not stupid," Legolas started to respond.
"That is unless he feels the need to get into a battle with those cursed Nazgul," Resiran interrupted, sighing heavily. "He has no regard for his safety in battle. He takes to many risks."
"Do not speak so," Methil said harshly, then his face softened as he turned to Legolas. "Please, think no ill of us Master Elf. We worry about Strider. He is the hope of our people and there is not much chance for the future if he leaves us prematurely.
"You need not apologize. I have gotten to know this stubborn and heroic man in a short time and I clearly see why you hold such stock in him. He is a wonder in himself. But fear not, for now, as long as not aggravated, his wounds will continue to heal. He needs more rest. If you could convince him to rest once we reach my lands in Mirkwood, even if it was just for a few days, it would do him much good," Legolas smiled warmly at them as the three older Rangers contemplated what he had just impressed upon him.
"That is easier said than done, but we will do our best. We hold much more of a chance if Halbarad grows impatient and sends another party, especially if Cressen is among them," Methil mused quietly. Havad nodded in agreement.
"When we come closer to your borders, I will stay on the main road and if the party comes this way, we will come to Mirkwood, with your permission, Prince," Resiran said slowly and deliberately as was his way.
"Yes, you will have my permission readily. Who is this Cressen?" Legolas asked curiously. Resiran smiled readily, looking as though he had an enjoyable story to tell, but Methil caused him to stop as they all turned to the soft chatter that approached them. Lancen was busy nearly talking Aragorn to death, but as Legolas noted, Aragorn seemed not to care. He listened carefully to the young man, not much older than Aragorn had been when he had first left Rivendell. Havad rose to meet the pair.
"Lancen," Aragorn said the young man's name quietly to keep him from a reproving glance from Havad. "Would you fetch my dagger from my pack?" The boy nodded and hurried to Evaria's side.
Legolas turned to his new friend and arched an eyebrow in curiosity. He knew well that Aragorn's dagger was resting comfortably against his side in its sheath. Aragorn seemed to read his mind and smiled at him happily, a glint of something akin to mischief in his eyes.
While Havad made sure Aragorn was satisfied with the perimeter, Legolas watched in interest as Lancen searched carefully for a dagger that was not there. Finally the young man became frustrated and turned back to his Captain.
"Strider! Your dagger is not in here. Only something bound in cloth and twine," the boy said, perturbed.
"Ah, you are quite right, almost. Open the package Lancen." Lancen shrugged and did as he was told, unwrapping two intricately designed daggers, clearly made in Rivendell. Legolas smiled fondly remembering Elrohir handing Aragorn the small parcel as they rode from the stable in the early morning that they had left Imladris. "They are beautiful! These were made by the elves of Rivendell.no doubt!" Lancen touched each one reverently.
"Well, I hope you do enjoy them. One is for you and the other for Cressen. They are gifts from the elf twins Elladan and Elrohir. Treat them well Lancen and they will serve your honest purposes," Aragorn had come to stand by Lancen as he said this, a smile playing at his lips. Lancen stared at him with huge eyes, then smiled back at Aragorn.
"I suppose thank you will never be enough."
"It is more than enough. Now, as I recall, you have first watch."
"Aye, I do! And thank you Strider!" the youth ran off towards his starting watch post and Aragorn watched him go with a smile.
"Such is the future, Legolas," he said, turning. Legolas nodded and understanding passed between them. They both settled onto the ground, surrounded on both sides by the Rangers. Aragorn laid his dagger across his chest, his sword resting easily by his side. Legolas had found himself watching to follow suit.
"Thank you Strider."
"Do not thank me yet.but tomorrow, perhaps we will be in Mirkwood."
"It will be both a glad and sad day."
"I know," Aragorn whispered the words and Legolas felt as though they understood the way each other felt. They said no more and soon the men were asleep. Legolas had no need of sleep, but rested, watching Aragorn sleep peacefully while Lancen paced, silent as a shadow, on the perimeter of their humble camp.
"Yes, tomorrow we may be in Mirkwood, but I will be less eager to stay as you have shown me what a Ranger really does. I think I may envy you, Aragorn."
Legolas watched Aragorn intently as the Ranger slept. He was tired in a very wonderful way. He had never had an experience like the journey he had just been on. His eyes had been opened to entirely new part of life that thus far had been a mystery to the already well-learned elf. The day had been filled with happy laughter and interesting news as Methil, Lancen, Havad, and Resiran had attempted to share with Aragorn what had transpired since the day of his departure some time ago. Nothing grievous had come to pass, at least nothing that the Rangers felt comfortable enough talking about in front of the elf that traveled with their beloved leader. Most of what they shared were amusing stories of little mishaps, mostly revolving around the family life of the Rangers.
Aragorn had listened keenly and smiled the first genuine smile Legolas had noticed since leaving Rivendell and the company of Arwen. More than anything Legolas observed that Aragorn was entirely at ease with these wardens of the wild. They were a family, this was easy to see.
Time had slipped by so quickly that Legolas could hardly believe when night had began to creep upon them. Aragorn also seemed surprised, but was eager to stop and rest once they had cleared the last trees of the dark forest. Legolas found it curious that the Rangers did not bind their horses to trees, but rather allowed the animals to be free. The horses, for their part, stayed close the encampment, just out of the area where the Rangers had laid their sleeping rolls. Aragorn had questioned Methil as to the safety of the area, asking if things had changed since he had last ridden from there. When he was assured that the area would be safe, a fire was lit and Legolas found himself once again engaged easily in conversation with the men. This time it was a rousing conversation of food and what was to be enjoyed that evening. Resiran was in charge of cooking and humbly apologized once to Legolas that it would be little close to that which a prince deserved. His apologies to Aragorn were also brief, but less formal, as if knowing that Aragorn could hardly have cared.
Legolas could hardly believe that Resiran had apologized at all. The food, though from a simple traveling pack, not unlike the one Legolas had searched through when he had discovered Aragorn, dying in the wood, was exceptionally good. It had been seasoned to perfection.
"Resiran, your meal was more than satisfying!" Legolas had remarked after the meal, drawing a pleased but embarrassed look from the Ranger. Aragorn had remained silent, merely smiling at his men. The Rangers had then prepared their bedrolls and arranged a watch regiment. Aragorn immediately took charge and claimed the first watch, but was heartily admonished by all four of his friends, even Lancen who seemed loathe to bring any sort of displeasure to his captain. They had argued for a few moments, Aragorn claiming that he was fully able to stand watch as he had been for the trip thus far. Legolas had watched with keep interest as they argued, trying not to smile too much. In the end they were all silent, Aragorn glaring at Methil in particular with an angry defeated look. Legolas gave Methil a vast amount of credit for his attempts not to look overly pleased at the fact that they had overridden what Aragorn had to say. Havad had eagerly pointed out to Aragorn that he had admitted earlier he was not up to his usual healthful self and none of them would ever dare to place him in danger. Their pure hearts and clear cries kept him from arguing too much.
Still grumbling, Aragorn had at least demanded that he check the perimeter and this the Rangers assented to as long as Lancen was to accompany him. Once they were gone, Resiran had apologized to Legolas, quickly attempting to explain that they were not trying to order their Captain around at all, but rather that they were trying to protect him from himself. Methil was about to jump in on the defense when Legolas stopped them with a laugh, explaining that they did not have to explain themselves. "Indeed, I am as worried about him as you are. He pretends it does not pain him, but I have seen him struggle to even re-mount Evaria as you will see in the morning. It is nothing serious, or I would have looked into it almost immediately. I believe that he will not be fully healed for some time."
"Are you sure he is all right?" the concern in Havad's voice was heavy and pained as though he expected to hear the worst.
"Strider may be a stubborn man, but, as I have seen surely, he is not stupid," Legolas started to respond.
"That is unless he feels the need to get into a battle with those cursed Nazgul," Resiran interrupted, sighing heavily. "He has no regard for his safety in battle. He takes to many risks."
"Do not speak so," Methil said harshly, then his face softened as he turned to Legolas. "Please, think no ill of us Master Elf. We worry about Strider. He is the hope of our people and there is not much chance for the future if he leaves us prematurely.
"You need not apologize. I have gotten to know this stubborn and heroic man in a short time and I clearly see why you hold such stock in him. He is a wonder in himself. But fear not, for now, as long as not aggravated, his wounds will continue to heal. He needs more rest. If you could convince him to rest once we reach my lands in Mirkwood, even if it was just for a few days, it would do him much good," Legolas smiled warmly at them as the three older Rangers contemplated what he had just impressed upon him.
"That is easier said than done, but we will do our best. We hold much more of a chance if Halbarad grows impatient and sends another party, especially if Cressen is among them," Methil mused quietly. Havad nodded in agreement.
"When we come closer to your borders, I will stay on the main road and if the party comes this way, we will come to Mirkwood, with your permission, Prince," Resiran said slowly and deliberately as was his way.
"Yes, you will have my permission readily. Who is this Cressen?" Legolas asked curiously. Resiran smiled readily, looking as though he had an enjoyable story to tell, but Methil caused him to stop as they all turned to the soft chatter that approached them. Lancen was busy nearly talking Aragorn to death, but as Legolas noted, Aragorn seemed not to care. He listened carefully to the young man, not much older than Aragorn had been when he had first left Rivendell. Havad rose to meet the pair.
"Lancen," Aragorn said the young man's name quietly to keep him from a reproving glance from Havad. "Would you fetch my dagger from my pack?" The boy nodded and hurried to Evaria's side.
Legolas turned to his new friend and arched an eyebrow in curiosity. He knew well that Aragorn's dagger was resting comfortably against his side in its sheath. Aragorn seemed to read his mind and smiled at him happily, a glint of something akin to mischief in his eyes.
While Havad made sure Aragorn was satisfied with the perimeter, Legolas watched in interest as Lancen searched carefully for a dagger that was not there. Finally the young man became frustrated and turned back to his Captain.
"Strider! Your dagger is not in here. Only something bound in cloth and twine," the boy said, perturbed.
"Ah, you are quite right, almost. Open the package Lancen." Lancen shrugged and did as he was told, unwrapping two intricately designed daggers, clearly made in Rivendell. Legolas smiled fondly remembering Elrohir handing Aragorn the small parcel as they rode from the stable in the early morning that they had left Imladris. "They are beautiful! These were made by the elves of Rivendell.no doubt!" Lancen touched each one reverently.
"Well, I hope you do enjoy them. One is for you and the other for Cressen. They are gifts from the elf twins Elladan and Elrohir. Treat them well Lancen and they will serve your honest purposes," Aragorn had come to stand by Lancen as he said this, a smile playing at his lips. Lancen stared at him with huge eyes, then smiled back at Aragorn.
"I suppose thank you will never be enough."
"It is more than enough. Now, as I recall, you have first watch."
"Aye, I do! And thank you Strider!" the youth ran off towards his starting watch post and Aragorn watched him go with a smile.
"Such is the future, Legolas," he said, turning. Legolas nodded and understanding passed between them. They both settled onto the ground, surrounded on both sides by the Rangers. Aragorn laid his dagger across his chest, his sword resting easily by his side. Legolas had found himself watching to follow suit.
"Thank you Strider."
"Do not thank me yet.but tomorrow, perhaps we will be in Mirkwood."
"It will be both a glad and sad day."
"I know," Aragorn whispered the words and Legolas felt as though they understood the way each other felt. They said no more and soon the men were asleep. Legolas had no need of sleep, but rested, watching Aragorn sleep peacefully while Lancen paced, silent as a shadow, on the perimeter of their humble camp.
"Yes, tomorrow we may be in Mirkwood, but I will be less eager to stay as you have shown me what a Ranger really does. I think I may envy you, Aragorn."