Disclaimer:

Basically, I own nothing!!! No copyright infringement intended in any way.

Rating:

R for later chapters.

A/N: Second chapter! Bear with me!

CHAPTER TWO

Just as the moon's light faded against his face, the kiss of dawn rose to greet it. Even the forest breeze drifted gently, brushing against his golden tresses as if wishing to stir him from his thoughts. Legolas blinked slowly as he watched the glowing embers of firewood flare red, grey and orange.

All night he had gazed into the fire, watching it burn and devour. As the sunlight cut sharply through the trees, it sparked lightly off a single tear which slid sorrowfully down one pale cheek. With one slender hand, the Elf reached up to touch his fingertips to his cheek. He smoothed the pearly liquid between his fingers, a frown darkening his expression.

Movement in front of him alerted the Elf to the man who he had almost forgotten about. The ranger stirred slightly and stretched ere fully rousing himself. By the time the man was alert, Legolas had already arisen, banishing the tear with a swipe of his fingers and pretending to set about rolling up his bedroll.

Aragorn rose wearily and turned his face toward the sun, inhaling the fresh forest air before turning toward his friend. The ranger noticed the rigid tension that clung to the Elf as he moved about the site and he sighed softly, wishing Legolas would speak.

Sensing the man's eyes upon him, Legolas straightened and took a breath, ere turning to face him. The smile which the Elf plastered onto his face must have been convincing, for anticipation seemed to light Aragorn's eyes as he waited for the Prince to speak.

"I apologise for my behaviour yesterday." Legolas announced suddenly, "I was tired and did not leave Mirkwood on good terms with my father. I would rather I had not spoken to you the way I did, I am sorry."

Silence.

Both friends held each others gazes for a moment as Aragorn contemplated these words, all the while; blissfully unaware of how much Legolas was depending upon them to conceal the truth.

Finally, a genuine smile touched the man's lips and he nodded ere stepping over to the Elf and clasping his shoulder in a fashion of comradeship.

"You need not be sorry, I should know better than to rile you." The man grinned.

"Indeed." Legolas smiled, feeling the falsity of his previous words.

"Well, shall we continue to Rivendell?" the man asked with an air of cheerfulness that was sadly not infectious.

"That would be wise." The Elf replied, turning toward his horse.

Aragorn noted with interest the way that Legolas's steed nudged and fussed over the elf, almost as if concerned.

"Daro ha." the Prince commanded, waving a hand at the horse irritably.

The steed snorted in what seemed to be displeasure, yet obediently ceased its mothering.

Aragorn watched this with curiosity as he turned his horse in the right direction. However, a more disconcerting matter was the sharp wince that left the Elf's lips when he mounted his steed, pale eyes flashing momentarily with pain.

"Legolas?" the man asked, turning his eyes toward the Elf.

Realising his blunder, Legolas turned a reassuring smile toward his friend.

"I am merely aching. I did not sleep well last night; the words of my father weigh heavy on my mind. I am tired." He lied.

"Would you rather we waited? Take rest if you are-"

"Law." The Elf dismissed, waving a hand, "that will not be necessary."

Aragorn frowned ere conceding, he nodded in agreement, "As you wish."

With a gentle goad, both riders set upon the path toward Rivendell. Riding side by side made it far more difficult for Legolas to conceal the pain which he felt within his body. In attempt to take his mind off the hurting and the memories that still swirled within his head, he sought comfort in the warmth of the sun and the gentle melody of the forest.

All the while, Aragorn kept his gaze focused upon the path ahead, sparing a glance now and then at his friend. Legolas made an effort not to snap in irritation.

You have already drawn enough attention to yourself. His mind spat. Be silent.

Chapter 2 Elvish Translations
Daro ha – Stop it
Law - No