Okay, sorry, but I lied in the last chapter. This one is going to be on
both Legolas and Nessa, but it will be separated! I promise! Pinky swear!
Heh, heh, sorry this has taken me so long to get up. I have had a lot distractions recently, and then with my story being removed I couldn't unload anything new and I wasn't exactly in the best of all places with the site. All I have to say is I'm sorry and there is a full expiation and apology in my profile.
So I hope you enjoy this chapter, and please reviews would be awesome.
Legolas walked along the ruff landscape in front of the infamous Helm's Deep. So much had happened in so little of time, but one picture still replayed in his mind. Another memory to haunt him. Haldir had fallen, right before his eyes, and he could do nothing. He knew this would come, this journey was to be full of death, but it was still hard to take.
And he knew sleep would forsake him longer now.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Legolas," Gimli's gruff voice came up from behind him, "he may have been an elf," he smiled, "but I think I'm starting to warm up to your kin."
Legolas smiled, "alas, my friend, I think I may just have to admit I'm starting to warm up to caves too."
Gimli laughed, "caves! I just said that I was wrong and you say you like caves!"
Legolas shook his head, "I did not say that I liked caves," he smiled, "I said I was starting to warm up to the idea of caves."
Gimli laughed, "we need to find you a lady-elf, or else I fear the worst for you!"
Legolas fell silent, a frown forming over his lips. He looked away from Gimli, off into the distance again, "a lady-elf," he said sadly, "so that I may stop being such a fool."
Gimli stopped laughing, "have I said something to upset you?"
Legolas shook his head, "no, no, it's nothing, Gimli."
He nodded skeptically, "if you say so, Legolas."
"I'm sure Aragorn will want to leave soon, we should head back, I wouldn't want to be on his bad side," Legolas smiled faintly, changing the subject and walking back into the fortress.
Gimli nodded, "Aragorn is quite the character," he mused following behind the elf.
They left within the hour, a large party of them headed to Isengaurd, finding the hobbits Merry and Pippin smoking and eating to their hearts' contents. Treebeard had taken over management of Isengaurd, as Merry and Pippin had relayed, apparently the trees waging war against the wizard for destroying their home.
Gimli later swore he was going to kill the Hobbit's sooner or later.
And with both of the Hobbit's in tow, the group headed back for Rohan were the city was in celebration over their victory at Helm's Deep.
"Master elf! Come, join the party!" Eomer patted the elf roughly on the back, trying to get Legolas to come back inside, "my sister tells me that you are always standing out here, I think it is time that you come back in."
Legolas smiled, "ah, horse master, are we always such a poet?"
"What?" Eomer looked at him confused, all he tried to do was come up with encouraging words and the elf was calling him a 'poet'.
Legolas laughed lightly, lowering his head, "it's nothing. And I will come inside in a little while, but somethings not right."
"What?"
Legolas looked back up towards the night's sky, "there are things that only elves can see," he stated blankly not wanting to discuss with the man about matters of the somewhat failed quest.
Eomer nodded, "I shall fetch Aragorn, he shall know of what you speak," Eomer turned and headed back in to the large hall leaving Legolas alone again.
Legolas's eyes trained back up towards the stars, waiting for Aragorn to come out. He didn't understand this celebration anyways, they should be mourning the dead, not celebrating them. It just didn't sit right with him to begin with, and to top it all off he had forgotten the point of celebration to begin with.
Then he felt Aragorn's calming presence besides him, "smoke rises from the east," he said calmly not bothering to look at him.
Aragorn looked out to the direction of Legolas's undying stare, a mix of curiosity and fear filling his eyes.
Legolas turned to face his friend, his eyes wide making his point very clear, "the enemy is moving."
Aragorn nodded, and they stood in the dark, silent for a moment, "we need time."
"We never have time, Aragorn," Legolas reminded him, "even Frodo knows that."
Aragorn smiled faintly, "then we shall give him time."
Legolas nodded in understanding, "for Frodo," he whispered faintly.
"Come, my friend, you stand in the shadows too often. Forget the past, and come live in the present." He jerked his head back to indicate the party, "and you were right, about Eowyn that is."
Legolas smiled sadly, "the last party that I went to, my Atar hosted it, and I brought her." He shallowed hard thinking back to that night, "I brought her to introduce her to him. Get his approval, in a way I guess." He stood there for a moment, then added with a smile, "and I always knew I was right about Eowyn, she especially gave herself away when you died on us. And the fact that I am never wrong."
Aragorn put a hand on his friend's shoulder, ignoring their side conversation about Eowyn and moving on to more pressing matters, "as I said, it is best for you not to dwell in the past."
Legolas nodded, "I know I shouldn't," he smiled faintly, "but the happiest I have ever been was when I was with her. So those memories are not of sad times, and I'd rather go to a place where I find warmth and not this bitter cold."
"Warmth?" Aragorn said not convinced, "Legolas, you have to forget about Nessa, she is not coming back. You are just setting yourself up for more pain, and I hate to see you do this to yourself." He stated bluntly, "I know how hard it must be for you, but, Legolas, it just wasn't meant to be."
Legolas shook his head, "you don't understand, Aragorn, you were always the one to leave. You never stayed around long enough to see what it does to someone."
Aragorn lowered his head, "it is not the same," he said bitterly.
"Aragorn, I think back to those times because they are happy memories, though the happiness is bittersweet now, they're all I have left." He looked over at his friend who stared out blankly into the darkness, "I know that I may not be the same anymore, Aragorn, but that should be expected. I'll get better, it will just take a little while, my friend. These things do not happen over night, and until that time comes, I will hold on to my hope," he paused and added softly, "even if it is false hope."
Aragorn nodded, "that is your decision, my friend. I cannot change your mind, no matter my opinion." He said sadly. It was hard watching a friend implode. It made it even harder standing by and watching his self-inflicted pain without being able to do a thing to help ease the pain. Or even make it disappear.
Legolas nodded, "have you learned nothing of me?" He smiled, his demeanor changing again.
Aragorn smiled, "yes, you and your stubborn behavior. I always thought your Atar was going to kill you one of these days."
Legolas laughed, "he probably will be the end of me."
"Legolas, I think that you will be the end of you," Aragorn laughed.
"And how so?"
He shook his head, "you aren't exactly the most cautious among elves, my friend."
Legolas shrugged, "it's not my fault, you corrupted me."
"Oh yes, in my young age, I corrupted you. Really, Legolas, I think it might have been the other way around."
Legolas smiled, "we did have a way with havoc, didn't we?" He thought back to his many trips to Rivendell growing up, visiting Elrohir and Elladan.
Aragorn smiled, "needless to say, there was never a dull moment in my childhood."
"Glad to know we left an impression on you," Legolas smiled mischievously.
Aragorn laughed, "come now, let's head in," he smiled walking off towards the entrance.
Legolas nodded slowly, "you head in first, I'll be there in a moment," he lied turning back around to watch the night's sky.
Aragorn shook his head slowly, knowing his friend would never come inside. If he had received one thing from Nessa leaving, he had become more stubborn then ever. His father was going to love that behavior change when Legolas returned.
He smiled softly, he could understand why Legolas thought about this she- elf so. In the brief moment that he had met her, he couldn't get her out of his head. Not in a loving sort of way, but a friendship sort of way. She had a lasting impression, although her breaking down might have caused it more then anything else, he'd like to think that is why his friend still thought of her so much. Because he couldn't get her out of his head.
"Why do you love her?" Aragorn stated his thoughts bluntly.
"What?"
"If it hurts that much, why do you love her?"
Legolas paused for a moment, "her voice." He said softly, his eyes penetrating Aragorn's own pair.
Now it was Aragorn's turn to be confused, "what?"
"It's what I love most about her, her voice," his piercing glare didn't leave Aragorn's eyes, "it was your stupid question," he shrugged his eyes returning to their natural state.
"Why her voice? That's a strange thing to say." Aragorn commented, unsure of what to say to something like that.
"It's soothing and warm," Legolas's eyes grew distant as he remembered back, "like the sea, that's what her voice reminds me of. The sea. Gentle, but commanding at times. In fact, if you think about it, Nessa is like the sea." Legolas rambled, smiling faintly.
Aragorn looked at his friend strangely, not sure how to react to what his friend was saying. His mood had suddenly changed again, but he was starting to get used to that. In fact, he was having trouble guessing which was the real Legolas and which was the front. Whatever it was, his front wasn't strong enough.
Legolas's eyes moved back to Aragorn, losing that far off look, "the sea changes with the tide, and you think, where as all the water gone? How can this be happening, it doesn't make any sense," he smiled faintly, "but the sea always comes back, doesn't it?" He said with a sparkle in his eyes, "that's how I know."
Aragorn snapped, "Legolas! Do you even hear what you're saying?" He yelled at his friend and for the first time truly frustrated with the elf. He took a deep, calming breath, "she's not coming back, Legolas. You have to stop waiting." He said a bit more softly, but his words where still harsh. He knew they cut through Legolas like a knife, he could see it in the elf's composure, it had changed again while he said those words. And as much as he regretted saying them each time, he knew they had to be said. This was getting out of hand.
Legolas smiled and nodded, "she came back to Rivendell, didn't she?"
Aragorn cast his friend a look, but no words would come to him. Although, a look was all Legolas needed to understand what was going on inside his friend's head. He knew of the man's concern for his well being, but he also knew that he couldn't just stop loving Nessa. It didn't happen like that. He knew he was a fool for all he had done, for holding on like a love-sick puppy, but he also knew that he just couldn't forget about her. Not just yet.
"Is everything all right out here, I heard raised voices," Eowyn made her presence known once again. She looked from Legolas to Aragorn in confusion, wondering why the two companions stood so silently.
Aragorn forced a smile, "it was nothing, I was just trying to convince our elven friend to join us inside," he lied not wanting to discuss his friend's troubles with the girl. She had a good heart, yes, but she seemed a romantic. Legolas's heart was confused enough already.
Eowyn smiled, "that would be well, for it seems that our friend has alluded such celebrations so far."
Legolas forced a smile, "I mean not to be rude, milady, but I am just not in a celebrating mood this evening," he frowned slightly, "one of my dear friends, Haldir," he said slowly finding it hard to say the words, "he fell at Helm's Deep."
Eowyn lowered her head, "I am truly sorry, Master elf, I had no idea."
Legolas shook his head, "I'll be fine," he mumbled, then with a slight smile added, "it's how Haldir would have wanted to go out anyways. He was never much of a fan of living forever, anyways. At least this way he'll be remembered doing something good, right?"
Aragorn cast his friend a look, he knew that the elf was saddened by his friend's death, but that wasn't the reason he was standing outside again. He was just using it as an excuse.
Eowyn nodded, "I'm sure he will always be honored here, along with all the others that fell during that battle."
Legolas shot her a somber smile, "I think I shall retire for the evening," his words where empty, for once he was using the words his Atar had always insisted him on using. For some reason they sounded more princely or something. To him, they sounded without emotion. No thought ever went into those words.
He gave Aragorn a silent nod, knowing that their conversation was far from over, and Eowyn a gentle smile as he walked away. He didn't have the patience nor the desire to deal with that now, and for once was grateful for Eowyn coming and interrupting him again. She seemed have a keen talent for that.
Right now he just had to put his thoughts on hold, there were things that were starting to set in motion that scared him. All he knew was that there were bigger things happening then just him and Nessa.
It was unusually cold that day. Even amongst Gondor's standards. It was funny, in the mist of everything that was happening to her, she could never get one thing off her mind, him. Every time she felt cold, laughed, even saw a book, she would remember back to him.
And it was foolish, and she knew it. They had rushed into something they didn't understand. But she couldn't help but to miss him so. So much it made her hurt. Sometimes, it even made her cry alone at night.
She wished and wished that someone could comfort her, sure she had a friend in Alannis, but she was just a child. She couldn't understand what Nessa was going through, she just looked to Nessa for stories. And even then, her mother would have a fit when she saw her daughter around Nessa again. She would glare at Nessa with such cold eyes, such cold hatred filled eyes.
Maybe, just maybe, the woman was right. Maybe, elves and men weren't meant to live together in harmony. Barely anyone uttered a word to her, especially at a time when she needed to hear words the most.
So she sat, day after day, week after week, rocking in her chair. Unable to move for lack of spirit. And, for a second time, regretted.
"Lady elf?" A man walked over to her small home, he was tall for a man, dressed in all black except for the sign of Gondor that was printed on his shirt.
Nessa lifted her head up in reply, hoping that the man wasn't here to tell her off. She was getting sick of it.
He smiled, lowering his head to stare at the ground, "it's silly really," he looked back up at her, "but I've seen you almost everyday, and I just have to ask,"
"Why I sit here?" She finished his sentence for him, that was the other thing these people would ask her, right before they told her off.
He smiled, "yes, yes, that is what I came to ask you. You wouldn't mind, would you? I mean not too offend."
Nessa smiled faintly, "a lot of people ask that question."
"And do a lot of people get an answer?"
Her smile grew a little, "sometimes, when I am in a good mood."
"Ah, a good mood! Well, let's hope that you have been blessed with one this afternoon!" He laughed, throwing his head back.
She nodded, "all right, I sit here because I am thinking."
"Thinking of what?"
Her faint smile returned to her, "of a lot of things," she lied, there was only one thing on her mind and that was the one thing she wanted to drive from it.
"Well, it must be important, because I see you thinking everyday, and something with that much attention brought to it must be important," he rambled.
Nessa chuckled softly, "well I shall sit here until I find an answer to my problem."
He smiled thoughtfully, "ah, solving a problem, are we? Well you see, lady elf, I hate to say this, but I do not think you shall ever be rid of your problems."
"How so? The world may have problems, yes, but this problem can be solved, I promise you that."
He shook his head, "but you see, you have been sitting there, everyday since you came here, just thinking about your problem. And I am sure, that even when you move from your chair, that you still carry that problem. Alas, lady elf, but I believe that you have found yourself an unanswerable problem."
She shook her head, "everything must have a solution, am I correct?"
The man's eyes twinkled as he shook his head, "if you have to think that much about it, is it really worth trying to solve?"
Nessa opened her mouth, but found no words.
He tossed his hand up, "no, let me finish. I can tell that you are saddened by this problem, lady elf, any man could see that. But why you chose to come here in seclusion so that you may be even more miserable as you try and solve a problem that may not even be worth solving. For all I know, you might have already solved it."
She closed her mouth, her mind working on overload trying to process everything the young man was saying. It made perfect sense, yes, but, somehow, someway, she just didn't want to believe it.
He smiled, "but, that's just my opinion. I have my answer now, and I shall leave you alone."
Nessa nodded, "alright," she finally made out.
He nodded and left her to her stoop. She sat there for a moment, then, on a sudden burst of energy, she pushed herself up. She pushed herself out of her chair, and she began to walk around the city. She had no where to go, but she just wandered aimlessly through the large city. For the first time since she had came to Gondor, and even then she didn't notice everything about it. Her mind had been elsewhere.
She watched the people, saw children playing in the street, vendors selling goods, people standing in groups and talking. And for the first time, in all these months apart, she felt happy. Truly happy.
And she thought, maybe, just maybe, it was time to go home. To Mirkwood.
Please review.
Heh, heh, sorry this has taken me so long to get up. I have had a lot distractions recently, and then with my story being removed I couldn't unload anything new and I wasn't exactly in the best of all places with the site. All I have to say is I'm sorry and there is a full expiation and apology in my profile.
So I hope you enjoy this chapter, and please reviews would be awesome.
Legolas walked along the ruff landscape in front of the infamous Helm's Deep. So much had happened in so little of time, but one picture still replayed in his mind. Another memory to haunt him. Haldir had fallen, right before his eyes, and he could do nothing. He knew this would come, this journey was to be full of death, but it was still hard to take.
And he knew sleep would forsake him longer now.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Legolas," Gimli's gruff voice came up from behind him, "he may have been an elf," he smiled, "but I think I'm starting to warm up to your kin."
Legolas smiled, "alas, my friend, I think I may just have to admit I'm starting to warm up to caves too."
Gimli laughed, "caves! I just said that I was wrong and you say you like caves!"
Legolas shook his head, "I did not say that I liked caves," he smiled, "I said I was starting to warm up to the idea of caves."
Gimli laughed, "we need to find you a lady-elf, or else I fear the worst for you!"
Legolas fell silent, a frown forming over his lips. He looked away from Gimli, off into the distance again, "a lady-elf," he said sadly, "so that I may stop being such a fool."
Gimli stopped laughing, "have I said something to upset you?"
Legolas shook his head, "no, no, it's nothing, Gimli."
He nodded skeptically, "if you say so, Legolas."
"I'm sure Aragorn will want to leave soon, we should head back, I wouldn't want to be on his bad side," Legolas smiled faintly, changing the subject and walking back into the fortress.
Gimli nodded, "Aragorn is quite the character," he mused following behind the elf.
They left within the hour, a large party of them headed to Isengaurd, finding the hobbits Merry and Pippin smoking and eating to their hearts' contents. Treebeard had taken over management of Isengaurd, as Merry and Pippin had relayed, apparently the trees waging war against the wizard for destroying their home.
Gimli later swore he was going to kill the Hobbit's sooner or later.
And with both of the Hobbit's in tow, the group headed back for Rohan were the city was in celebration over their victory at Helm's Deep.
"Master elf! Come, join the party!" Eomer patted the elf roughly on the back, trying to get Legolas to come back inside, "my sister tells me that you are always standing out here, I think it is time that you come back in."
Legolas smiled, "ah, horse master, are we always such a poet?"
"What?" Eomer looked at him confused, all he tried to do was come up with encouraging words and the elf was calling him a 'poet'.
Legolas laughed lightly, lowering his head, "it's nothing. And I will come inside in a little while, but somethings not right."
"What?"
Legolas looked back up towards the night's sky, "there are things that only elves can see," he stated blankly not wanting to discuss with the man about matters of the somewhat failed quest.
Eomer nodded, "I shall fetch Aragorn, he shall know of what you speak," Eomer turned and headed back in to the large hall leaving Legolas alone again.
Legolas's eyes trained back up towards the stars, waiting for Aragorn to come out. He didn't understand this celebration anyways, they should be mourning the dead, not celebrating them. It just didn't sit right with him to begin with, and to top it all off he had forgotten the point of celebration to begin with.
Then he felt Aragorn's calming presence besides him, "smoke rises from the east," he said calmly not bothering to look at him.
Aragorn looked out to the direction of Legolas's undying stare, a mix of curiosity and fear filling his eyes.
Legolas turned to face his friend, his eyes wide making his point very clear, "the enemy is moving."
Aragorn nodded, and they stood in the dark, silent for a moment, "we need time."
"We never have time, Aragorn," Legolas reminded him, "even Frodo knows that."
Aragorn smiled faintly, "then we shall give him time."
Legolas nodded in understanding, "for Frodo," he whispered faintly.
"Come, my friend, you stand in the shadows too often. Forget the past, and come live in the present." He jerked his head back to indicate the party, "and you were right, about Eowyn that is."
Legolas smiled sadly, "the last party that I went to, my Atar hosted it, and I brought her." He shallowed hard thinking back to that night, "I brought her to introduce her to him. Get his approval, in a way I guess." He stood there for a moment, then added with a smile, "and I always knew I was right about Eowyn, she especially gave herself away when you died on us. And the fact that I am never wrong."
Aragorn put a hand on his friend's shoulder, ignoring their side conversation about Eowyn and moving on to more pressing matters, "as I said, it is best for you not to dwell in the past."
Legolas nodded, "I know I shouldn't," he smiled faintly, "but the happiest I have ever been was when I was with her. So those memories are not of sad times, and I'd rather go to a place where I find warmth and not this bitter cold."
"Warmth?" Aragorn said not convinced, "Legolas, you have to forget about Nessa, she is not coming back. You are just setting yourself up for more pain, and I hate to see you do this to yourself." He stated bluntly, "I know how hard it must be for you, but, Legolas, it just wasn't meant to be."
Legolas shook his head, "you don't understand, Aragorn, you were always the one to leave. You never stayed around long enough to see what it does to someone."
Aragorn lowered his head, "it is not the same," he said bitterly.
"Aragorn, I think back to those times because they are happy memories, though the happiness is bittersweet now, they're all I have left." He looked over at his friend who stared out blankly into the darkness, "I know that I may not be the same anymore, Aragorn, but that should be expected. I'll get better, it will just take a little while, my friend. These things do not happen over night, and until that time comes, I will hold on to my hope," he paused and added softly, "even if it is false hope."
Aragorn nodded, "that is your decision, my friend. I cannot change your mind, no matter my opinion." He said sadly. It was hard watching a friend implode. It made it even harder standing by and watching his self-inflicted pain without being able to do a thing to help ease the pain. Or even make it disappear.
Legolas nodded, "have you learned nothing of me?" He smiled, his demeanor changing again.
Aragorn smiled, "yes, you and your stubborn behavior. I always thought your Atar was going to kill you one of these days."
Legolas laughed, "he probably will be the end of me."
"Legolas, I think that you will be the end of you," Aragorn laughed.
"And how so?"
He shook his head, "you aren't exactly the most cautious among elves, my friend."
Legolas shrugged, "it's not my fault, you corrupted me."
"Oh yes, in my young age, I corrupted you. Really, Legolas, I think it might have been the other way around."
Legolas smiled, "we did have a way with havoc, didn't we?" He thought back to his many trips to Rivendell growing up, visiting Elrohir and Elladan.
Aragorn smiled, "needless to say, there was never a dull moment in my childhood."
"Glad to know we left an impression on you," Legolas smiled mischievously.
Aragorn laughed, "come now, let's head in," he smiled walking off towards the entrance.
Legolas nodded slowly, "you head in first, I'll be there in a moment," he lied turning back around to watch the night's sky.
Aragorn shook his head slowly, knowing his friend would never come inside. If he had received one thing from Nessa leaving, he had become more stubborn then ever. His father was going to love that behavior change when Legolas returned.
He smiled softly, he could understand why Legolas thought about this she- elf so. In the brief moment that he had met her, he couldn't get her out of his head. Not in a loving sort of way, but a friendship sort of way. She had a lasting impression, although her breaking down might have caused it more then anything else, he'd like to think that is why his friend still thought of her so much. Because he couldn't get her out of his head.
"Why do you love her?" Aragorn stated his thoughts bluntly.
"What?"
"If it hurts that much, why do you love her?"
Legolas paused for a moment, "her voice." He said softly, his eyes penetrating Aragorn's own pair.
Now it was Aragorn's turn to be confused, "what?"
"It's what I love most about her, her voice," his piercing glare didn't leave Aragorn's eyes, "it was your stupid question," he shrugged his eyes returning to their natural state.
"Why her voice? That's a strange thing to say." Aragorn commented, unsure of what to say to something like that.
"It's soothing and warm," Legolas's eyes grew distant as he remembered back, "like the sea, that's what her voice reminds me of. The sea. Gentle, but commanding at times. In fact, if you think about it, Nessa is like the sea." Legolas rambled, smiling faintly.
Aragorn looked at his friend strangely, not sure how to react to what his friend was saying. His mood had suddenly changed again, but he was starting to get used to that. In fact, he was having trouble guessing which was the real Legolas and which was the front. Whatever it was, his front wasn't strong enough.
Legolas's eyes moved back to Aragorn, losing that far off look, "the sea changes with the tide, and you think, where as all the water gone? How can this be happening, it doesn't make any sense," he smiled faintly, "but the sea always comes back, doesn't it?" He said with a sparkle in his eyes, "that's how I know."
Aragorn snapped, "Legolas! Do you even hear what you're saying?" He yelled at his friend and for the first time truly frustrated with the elf. He took a deep, calming breath, "she's not coming back, Legolas. You have to stop waiting." He said a bit more softly, but his words where still harsh. He knew they cut through Legolas like a knife, he could see it in the elf's composure, it had changed again while he said those words. And as much as he regretted saying them each time, he knew they had to be said. This was getting out of hand.
Legolas smiled and nodded, "she came back to Rivendell, didn't she?"
Aragorn cast his friend a look, but no words would come to him. Although, a look was all Legolas needed to understand what was going on inside his friend's head. He knew of the man's concern for his well being, but he also knew that he couldn't just stop loving Nessa. It didn't happen like that. He knew he was a fool for all he had done, for holding on like a love-sick puppy, but he also knew that he just couldn't forget about her. Not just yet.
"Is everything all right out here, I heard raised voices," Eowyn made her presence known once again. She looked from Legolas to Aragorn in confusion, wondering why the two companions stood so silently.
Aragorn forced a smile, "it was nothing, I was just trying to convince our elven friend to join us inside," he lied not wanting to discuss his friend's troubles with the girl. She had a good heart, yes, but she seemed a romantic. Legolas's heart was confused enough already.
Eowyn smiled, "that would be well, for it seems that our friend has alluded such celebrations so far."
Legolas forced a smile, "I mean not to be rude, milady, but I am just not in a celebrating mood this evening," he frowned slightly, "one of my dear friends, Haldir," he said slowly finding it hard to say the words, "he fell at Helm's Deep."
Eowyn lowered her head, "I am truly sorry, Master elf, I had no idea."
Legolas shook his head, "I'll be fine," he mumbled, then with a slight smile added, "it's how Haldir would have wanted to go out anyways. He was never much of a fan of living forever, anyways. At least this way he'll be remembered doing something good, right?"
Aragorn cast his friend a look, he knew that the elf was saddened by his friend's death, but that wasn't the reason he was standing outside again. He was just using it as an excuse.
Eowyn nodded, "I'm sure he will always be honored here, along with all the others that fell during that battle."
Legolas shot her a somber smile, "I think I shall retire for the evening," his words where empty, for once he was using the words his Atar had always insisted him on using. For some reason they sounded more princely or something. To him, they sounded without emotion. No thought ever went into those words.
He gave Aragorn a silent nod, knowing that their conversation was far from over, and Eowyn a gentle smile as he walked away. He didn't have the patience nor the desire to deal with that now, and for once was grateful for Eowyn coming and interrupting him again. She seemed have a keen talent for that.
Right now he just had to put his thoughts on hold, there were things that were starting to set in motion that scared him. All he knew was that there were bigger things happening then just him and Nessa.
It was unusually cold that day. Even amongst Gondor's standards. It was funny, in the mist of everything that was happening to her, she could never get one thing off her mind, him. Every time she felt cold, laughed, even saw a book, she would remember back to him.
And it was foolish, and she knew it. They had rushed into something they didn't understand. But she couldn't help but to miss him so. So much it made her hurt. Sometimes, it even made her cry alone at night.
She wished and wished that someone could comfort her, sure she had a friend in Alannis, but she was just a child. She couldn't understand what Nessa was going through, she just looked to Nessa for stories. And even then, her mother would have a fit when she saw her daughter around Nessa again. She would glare at Nessa with such cold eyes, such cold hatred filled eyes.
Maybe, just maybe, the woman was right. Maybe, elves and men weren't meant to live together in harmony. Barely anyone uttered a word to her, especially at a time when she needed to hear words the most.
So she sat, day after day, week after week, rocking in her chair. Unable to move for lack of spirit. And, for a second time, regretted.
"Lady elf?" A man walked over to her small home, he was tall for a man, dressed in all black except for the sign of Gondor that was printed on his shirt.
Nessa lifted her head up in reply, hoping that the man wasn't here to tell her off. She was getting sick of it.
He smiled, lowering his head to stare at the ground, "it's silly really," he looked back up at her, "but I've seen you almost everyday, and I just have to ask,"
"Why I sit here?" She finished his sentence for him, that was the other thing these people would ask her, right before they told her off.
He smiled, "yes, yes, that is what I came to ask you. You wouldn't mind, would you? I mean not too offend."
Nessa smiled faintly, "a lot of people ask that question."
"And do a lot of people get an answer?"
Her smile grew a little, "sometimes, when I am in a good mood."
"Ah, a good mood! Well, let's hope that you have been blessed with one this afternoon!" He laughed, throwing his head back.
She nodded, "all right, I sit here because I am thinking."
"Thinking of what?"
Her faint smile returned to her, "of a lot of things," she lied, there was only one thing on her mind and that was the one thing she wanted to drive from it.
"Well, it must be important, because I see you thinking everyday, and something with that much attention brought to it must be important," he rambled.
Nessa chuckled softly, "well I shall sit here until I find an answer to my problem."
He smiled thoughtfully, "ah, solving a problem, are we? Well you see, lady elf, I hate to say this, but I do not think you shall ever be rid of your problems."
"How so? The world may have problems, yes, but this problem can be solved, I promise you that."
He shook his head, "but you see, you have been sitting there, everyday since you came here, just thinking about your problem. And I am sure, that even when you move from your chair, that you still carry that problem. Alas, lady elf, but I believe that you have found yourself an unanswerable problem."
She shook her head, "everything must have a solution, am I correct?"
The man's eyes twinkled as he shook his head, "if you have to think that much about it, is it really worth trying to solve?"
Nessa opened her mouth, but found no words.
He tossed his hand up, "no, let me finish. I can tell that you are saddened by this problem, lady elf, any man could see that. But why you chose to come here in seclusion so that you may be even more miserable as you try and solve a problem that may not even be worth solving. For all I know, you might have already solved it."
She closed her mouth, her mind working on overload trying to process everything the young man was saying. It made perfect sense, yes, but, somehow, someway, she just didn't want to believe it.
He smiled, "but, that's just my opinion. I have my answer now, and I shall leave you alone."
Nessa nodded, "alright," she finally made out.
He nodded and left her to her stoop. She sat there for a moment, then, on a sudden burst of energy, she pushed herself up. She pushed herself out of her chair, and she began to walk around the city. She had no where to go, but she just wandered aimlessly through the large city. For the first time since she had came to Gondor, and even then she didn't notice everything about it. Her mind had been elsewhere.
She watched the people, saw children playing in the street, vendors selling goods, people standing in groups and talking. And for the first time, in all these months apart, she felt happy. Truly happy.
And she thought, maybe, just maybe, it was time to go home. To Mirkwood.
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