All That Really Mattered

Part Three

Aragorn made a mad dash to his fallen companion. He skidded to his knees and checked for a pulse… anything… anything that may give a clue that Legolas still lived. He found none. Had Legolas really fallen? Was he really dead?

"No no no no no no no no no…" Aragorn gasped. Ever-so-gently he slid his friend's limp body into his arms, cradling him. With his signature banged up hands the Ranger brushed stray strands of cornsilk hair out of Legolas's face. Their fellowship had broken one more. . .

Aragorn shook the dream out of his head. Legolas was not dead. He wasn't. He couldn't. He was still asleep where Aragorn had left him to heal, all wounds bound and dressed. And yet, something told Aragorn that his Elven friend wasn't resting as he was before. Aragorn was comforted by the fact that Legolas was in too much pain to actually do anything crazy. Pushing the doubtful and worried feelings to the back of his troubled mind, he moved to lighter things and fell asleep.

Back on the balcony. . .

"Guard of the Citadel indeed." Pippin snorted. "I didn't do anything very exciting." He sniffed again but he wasn't crying anymore.

Legolas looked at the young fiery hobbit out of the corner of his eye. "Mithrandir told me you saved Faramir's life. That was a great deed for anyone. Just because you are small and seem unimportant doesn't mean you are Peregrin Took."

Pippin sighed heavily. "I didn't even get to go out on the battle field! Merry killed the Witch King and Gandalf and I were almost killed by the stupid thing-"

"You had the bravery to stand against it. I told you before and I'll tell you again… all that really matters is that you defied the fear you thought that you would never be able to stand against. That's what a hero is in my eyes. Do not feel so unappreciated, I'm quite sure Faramir and Merry are thankful you were there." Legolas said reassuringly. Now, he noticed for the first time, Hobbits were somewhat stubborn and brave little creatures. "Now I have to admit that the Witch King is a frightening creature Peregrin, he really is, well, was. There is no reason not to fear him. I shan't have you fear anymore. Push it all aside and make room for other feelings."

"I will." Pippin promised. "I will."

HA! Do you still love me? Hm? Hm? HM?!?!