Summary: Estel and Legolas go off in search of the simple things.
Disclaimer: I do not own them, lest they be covered in drool
A/N: This fic would take place in 2991 of the third age, other than the ages in the fic, it is AU. Any reviews are welcome, flames shall keep me warm
Now to the reviewers!
Elven Kitten: Thanks!
A. NuEvil: yes, confusing and aggravating
Estelle1: snicker who me?
CKlovesme2040: an update for you! Welcome to the fic
Ceyxa: yes Elrond, hehehe the overprotective one
theo darkstar: LOL thanks
Catmint: YAY! thanks! I do so love the angst
HarryEstel: Galadriel is warning them because she knows the two get into trouble at ALL times
Slayer3: Here is more!
Thank you to all of you for your reviews! They make my day!
Chapter 8
The night rolled past and a very refreshed Estel awoke. "Why did you not wake me to take watch?"
"You looked so peaceful, I had not the heart to wake you. The stars were beautiful last night, but now it seems as if we may get some rain."
Estel rolled up the bedrolls, muttering under his breath about elves who could carry on conversations with trees in their spare time, when they weren't to busy reading your mind.
The further they rode the more the two enjoyed the scenery. The nice autumn hues of red and gold littered the path before them, while the sunlight cascading down through the trees gave them a sense of warmth even on the chilly afternoon. Estel had long ago shrugged off his cloak and stored it in his pack. Legolas had balked at the idea of it, insisting he needed it, but Estel had waved his concerns off.
They finally stopped in a small clearing next to a clump of trees. Legolas went off to collect some firewood, while Estel rolled out the blankets. Once Legolas had gotten back with the wood both of them sat down to enjoy one of the meals the cooks had insisted on packing.
Estel recalled how he told the cook he could hunt for his food, but as he bit into the chicken, savoring the taste, he was glad he had lost the argument. Even Legolas, who only ate cheese and fruits on their outings, had taken a piece and was enjoying it. After a good meal, the two lay down for a good nights sleep.
Legolas had offered to take first watch, but Estel insisted he was fine. After he saw the elf's eyes glaze over in sleep, Estel threw another log onto the fire. Gazing up at the stars, he realized he had never been this far west of Imladris. He wondered what new places and people awaited him. He liked a good adventure, and his father had once told him he would travel all of Middle Earth. Deciding he really did not wish to sleep. Estel sat there smoking his pipe and gazed at the stars.
Legolas blinked rapidly trying to rid his dream of that irritating chirping. Finally he realized the sound was coming from a nest of robins above him in the tree and that it was indeed morning. "Estel! You are in so much trouble! Why did you not wake me to take watch?"
"Calm down Legolas. You were sleeping so peacefully I did not wish to wake you. Besides, the sky held my gaze and I got lost in thought." At the look on Legolas' face, Estel held his hands up in submission. "You win, tonight you may take first watch." This seemed to ease the glare from the elf some. "Look, take it easy, mellon nin. We have been riding for days and all is still well, no wargs or orcs have tried to attack us, and we have yet to run into a drop of bad weather."
As if fate itself were laughing out loud, the sky let loose a downpour that had them both soaked in minutes.
"You were saying something about fate, Estel," Legolas said, his usually perfect hair now matted down with rain.
"Perhaps it is only a passing shower," Estel said, hoping it was true.
Unfortunately for Estel, it was not true, and after riding in the rain for two hours, even his fingers had become cold. He was thankful that a crack of lightening had covered up his sneeze, for he knew Legolas. The elf would be hovering over him like a vulture, eagle-sharp eyes looking for any sign of sickness.
Just as Estel thought he could not stand it another minute, the rain ceased. "See, Legolas, the rain has stopped and it did us no harm."
Legolas turned swiftly to face Estel. "No harm! I am soaked, as are you. Our bedrolls shall not be dry by nightfall, and the ground is one big mudhole. You, of course, will catch your death because you will insist upon sleeping on the ground, instead of in the trees, and Lord Elrond will have me shackled and fed to the horses for it. Honestly, Estel, why are you smiling, and if you mention again that we have not been attacked, I will throttle you."
Estel choked back the laugh trying to get out. "I merely thought it was remarkable how I could be many miles away from Ada, and yet you just did a perfect impression." At the look on Legolas' face, Estel explained.
"True, the rain was an unexpected obstacle, but we can make the best of it. We shall stop soon and set up for the night. I will hang the bedrolls by the fire to dry while we eat. This trip was supposed to be to forget the evils of Arda and to explore new places. Has it been so horrible?"
Legolas swiped rain-soaked hair from his face and saw the hurt look upon Estel's face. It was true they were supposed to get away from stewards and kings and all the hurtful things they brought. "Aye, Estel, you are right. We will make the best of it, and tomorrow is a new day. The rain could actually be good."
Estel quirked his head to the side. "How is that?"
"I was thinking of how I was going to get you to bathe. Seems nature saved me the trouble."
This got a glare from Estel, but soon both of them had forgotten their earlier harsh words.
Not too long later, the pair came across a cluster of trees with lovely green grass underneath. Even though the grass would be wet, it was a lot better than sleeping in mud. Estel started a fire and hung the bedrolls over a low-lying branch of one of the trees. Legolas had gone off for more wood, and when he came back, he found Estel skinning a rabbit.
"I thought the cook had sent enough food for a week."
"Aye, but I thought you would enjoy a nice stew," Estel replied, now cutting up the meat and placing it in the small pot.
"Your stew has given me many nights spent hanging over a bush, Estel."
Estel snorted. "Do not blame me for your overindulgence in mulberry wine."
Legolas would have spoken some retort back, but he did recall it was Estel who had held him upright that night, instead of letting him fall into his own vomit. Legolas instead sat down and took the bowl Estel offered him. The stew looked and smelled safe enough, and Legolas had to admit it was not that bad. As they ate they recalled the last time both of them had come dragging back into Imladris.
"Your father was furious when we arrived," Legolas snickered.
"Mine? Legolas, do you not recall the look on your father's face when you came through the door with three poisoned arrows in your leg?"
This had Legolas scowling and inadvertently rubbing his leg where the arrows had been. "Just go to sleep, Estel, before you make me come over there and give you one of the teas your father sent. You know he still thinks you passed on for a few moments."
"Yes, but does he know I learned to hold my breath from you when you decided to spy on the she elves bathing in the lake?" This got a glare and Legolas rummaging for the teas. Estel needed no further encouragement, and he closed his eyes. His father's teas were legendary, and he even thought they could bring down a troll.
Soon Legolas heard the soft snores coming from Estel and sat back against the tree. He was truly glad he had come with Estel, for he had not felt this at peace in a long time.