AN Your continual kind words are appreciated and if you have any questions please feel free to ask! Although that does not mean I am going to give away any spoilers…
Legolas POV
Legolas sat with his back against a tall oak tree with Aragorn at his side as they both watched the setting of the sun and the rising of the moon over the hilltops. They had camped for the evening at the edge of a forest to offer some cover against the elements although tonight looked to be fair.
It had taken him a couple of weeks to find the ranger Aragorn who went by the name of Strider out in the wilds. Legolas remembered his first encounter with the man and how he had almost been struck down by the ranger's sword before he had lowered his elven cloak to reveal his identity. Although Aragorn had not known Legolas by name, he had immediately recognised him an elf and his suspicion had turned to curiosity. They had exchanged introductions and after Legolas had explained his reasons for finding Aragorn on behalf of his father the King, Aragorn had also revealed his true lineage. Legolas had widened his eyes at the revelation but Aragorn had shrugged and mumbled in reply.
'I do not seek the glory of Lordship, for that is not the path that I have chosen.'
Legolas had seen that the topic made him uncomfortable and did not press the matter further.
Looking back, I had to admit I was a little surprised that Aragorn was Isildur's heir and the rightful king of Gondor. I would have expected him to…bathe a little more often.
Legolas glanced over at his new friend who was lighting a long pipe, the embers illuminating his face.
He does have the bearing of someone of the house of Telcontar. His face is proud with his dark chin-length hair and blue eyes and yet there is compassion about him. The other few rangers we have encountered treat him with a sort of reverence, although he is nothing but humble in return. He would make a good king.
Over the next fortnight or so the pair had developed an easy friendship whilst they kept guard over the northern lands. Legolas respected Aragorn's honour and integrity and in return the ranger had admired Legolas' kind nature and skill with his bow.
'Where was it that you learned elvish, mellon?' Legolas asked.
Aragorn glanced up at his friend from his pipe, 'When I was but a small child, my camp was attacked by orcs. My Mother fled with me South to Imladris for she had been a friend of Lord Elrond in the past. We were offered refuge but she died shortly after. Lord Elrond took me under his charge and I was raised and taught in Rivendell for a time.' The ranger looked saddened by the story and Legolas reached over and placed a hand on his shoulder in empathy.
'My own Mother was killed in the fortress of Angband when I was a young elfling. The loss drained the warmth from my Father and I think he would have faded if he had not had me to look after.' Legolas' blue eyes crinkled in sadness as he looked into the face of his friend. 'He does not speak of it. There is no tomb, no memory of her.'
I cannot even remember her face.
It was now Aragorn's turn to reach over and grasp the sad elf's forearm in understanding. The two warriors looked out to the horizon of stars, each deep in their own memories.
It was a long while before Aragorn spoke again.
'Have you known love, mellon?'
Legolas' head spun around from his contemplation of the sky, slightly surprised by the question but he answered it nonetheless.
'My heart is far away, for it has been captured by the Captain of the Mirkwood Guard. Nae! I am not sure how she feels for she grieves for someone dear to her that she lost in battle. We have been great friends since we were elflings but I do know if she could love me as her feä mate.' He looked down at his white dagger, turning it slowly in his hands.
Holding his pipe in his mouth, Aragorn frowned slightly before he gave a small smile at the blond elf.
I hope that she has kept my dagger and that it gives her comfort. If only I could be there to wipe away her tears and offer distraction by training her archery skills, like we used to do.
'What of yourself Aragorn, have you found a light in your life?'
The ranger shifted uncomfortably and audibly exhaled before answering.
'I have pledged myself to Arwen Undómiel and she to me. Although I would have her take the white ship and leave these shores to be free of the sufferings of this world. She has the opportunity to live anew without fear or pain but she will not take it.' Aragorn refilled his pipe and leaned back against the tree, closing his eyes and frowning.
'Lord Elrond does not approve and wants me to reject what we have for the sake of his daughter. My path on the matter is hidden from me.'
'I know of Arwen, for I too was educated for a brief time in Imladris. I could agree with those that say she is Lúthien Tinúviel reborn for her beauty is ethereal.'
Legolas turned a compassionate gaze towards his friend.
Their story can have no happy end for Aragorn is mortal and Arwen is elf-kind.
'My Father, King Thranduil also disapproves of Captain Tauriel as a suitor. He is a good ruler but I see in his eyes that he does not consider her worthy to pledge myself to, for she is not of noble blood.' Legolas bristled. 'That means nothing to me for it his her courage and kindness that I love.'
And her beautiful auburn hair and bright emerald eyes, not to mention her mischievous smile and skill with a dagger!
Aragorn smiled at his friend before stifling a yawn. They had stayed up late.
'Posto vae, mellon. I will take first watch this night.' Legolas offered.
'Hannon le.' Aragorn smiled before dousing his pipe, raising the hood of his cloak and turning over.
Legolas got up to silently patrol the perimeter; he did not need sleep as mortals did. He turned his gaze towards the stars and wondered if Tauriel could see the same bright points of light.
Tauriel.
His thoughts were leagues away, dancing under a forest canopy with a fire-haired elleth; he whispered a prayer to any Valar that might be listening.
Let her pull through her grief and return to the light. Let Tauriel be safe and whole. I could not stay in this world if she was not there to challenge me and fill my heart with happiness.
Tauriel POV.
Several days later, upon arrival back at the kingdom, Tauriel and her company had gone straight to Thranduil to report on the success of the diplomatic mission. Her encounters with the King were brief and civil and nothing more. Tauriel sighed, she wanted to prove her worth to him.
But first I need to change out of these travelling clothes and rest my aching muscles.
The next day Tauriel headed to the practice yard and relieved Ranadir of training the new recruits. He had hugged her enthusiastically upon seeing the elleth before complaining about the trials of teaching young elves how to hit a target.
Tauriel shrugged at her friend's impatience and dismissed Ranadir, letting him go and relax his 'poor, overworked and underappreciated mind.' The elf grinned in response and quickly bounded off. Tauriel rolled her eyes and looked at him again.
Why does he not stop smiling? He has a faraway look in his brown gaze like his thoughts are somewhere else.
Tauriel was eager to try her new daggers, gifted to her by the Lady of light. She approached where a group of the new recruits were milling by the combat arena. Recognising the Captain, they all obediently formed ranks in attention.
Perhaps Ranadir has managed to teach them something after all…
Amused, Tauriel declared that she would spar with each one of them to learn where they needed improvement.
'Who would like to go first?'
It was a second before a timid-looking blond elf stepped forward and bowed at her. 'I will, Captain.' He said respectively.
Tauriel smiled and launched herself at him, silver daggers gleaming in the light of the midday sun.
Legolas POV
A messenger had arrived some days previously summoning the Prince back to Mirkwood. Thranduil had called a council to rally his forces for a message had been sent from Imladris and he needed his son by his side. Although happy to return to his homeland, Legolas was saddened to leave Aragorn for a great friendship was now between them.
I will find him again and help him fulfil his destiny for there is none other worthy of such a title.
Their parting had been bittersweet for both promised to see each other but it was unclear when that would be.
Aragorn smiled and placed his hand on Legolas shoulder. 'Savo 'lass a lalaith, Legolas. Do not wait too long to tell the Captain how you feel.'
Legolas smiled kindly and reciprocated the gesture. 'Galu, Aragorn, may the stars shine upon you.'
The Prince turned and mounted his grey stallion, Orun that the messenger had brought, riding hard back to his homeland and his heart.
Tauriel POV
A week or so later in the heat of the afternoon Tauriel was covered in a sheen of sweat and feeling proud at the progress her soldiers had made. She called forward the next elf, who held a long curved blade in his hand. After duelling for a few minutes the dark haired elf had slipped on the loose ground and Tauriel pressed her advantage. He parried her attacks effectively before again making a mistake with his footing. He fell to the ground blocking a blow from her dagger and cried out in pain for he had also twisted his ankle.
'Can you stand, Amrith?' Tauriel sheathed her daggers and offered a hand to the elf who was trying to be brave in front of the others but grimaced in pain.
Tauriel turned the group of onlookers. 'You are to shoot the targets until nightfall and then you are dismissed.'
The other elves glanced at Amrith in sympathy before sidling off to complete their duties.
She reached down and placed her arm under Amrith's shoulder to help take the weight off his ankle. Amrith blushed but let the Captain walk with him towards the houses of healing.
Tauriel had deposited the wounded elf on a pallet and had turned to summon a healer. Happy that the elf was being taken care of, she left to return to her Captain's study to complete the new guard duty rosters. On her way out of the halls, she heard Ranadir's laughter. She turned a corner and saw Ranadir leaning over a counter whilst a honey-haired elleth mixed a poultice in an earthenware bowl.
The elleth looked up at Tauriel and her face lit in a warm smile. Ranadir turned with a frown to see whom she smiled at but his face relaxed when he saw it was Tauriel.
'Captain Tauriel, may I introduce you to the fair Serilla; the most skilled of all healers in Mirkwood.' He looked at the elleth with adoring eyes as she blushed and put down her poultice.
So this is the reason Ranadir has been acting so delirious.
'Mae g'ovannen, Captain, it is an honour to meet you after Ranadir has told me so much about your great skill in battle.' Her dove grey eyes shifted to the elf. 'Although he tells me that he can beat you in a duel.'
The tips of Ranadir's ears turned pink.
'Mae g'ovannen Lady Serilla.' Tauriel fisted her hand over her heart in respect to one who could save lives.
'Please, just Serilla.' The elleth in her grey healers robes looked at Tauriel kindly.
'Only if you call me Tauriel.' The Captain replied before both smiled at each other.
'Ah, see, I told you that little Tauriel would not be able to resist your charms, my lady.' He said whilst offering a gallant bow.
Tauriel flicked her gaze to Ranadir and narrowed her eyes at his earlier statement. 'So you can best your Captain in a duel with daggers? Let us put that to the test!' The chestnut haired elf twitched where he stood by the counter.
'Would you care to watch me put Ranadir in his place, Serilla?' Tauriel removed her daggers and aimed at cat-like grin at the elf who visibly paled. Serilla giggled behind a delicate hand.
'Why I would love to!' The healer replied before leading the way out of the halls of healing.
Tauriel shoved Ranadir through the door. 'Dôl gîn lost! Prepare yourself.' She whispered into her friend's ear. Ranadir sighed at the trouble he had gotten himself into. Tauriel nudged him again. 'How you enchanted that sweet elleth I will never know.'
This time he grinned in response. 'The same way you enchanted the Prince.' Tauriel thumped him and he laughed.
The duel went on a for a time, and the moon had risen before Tauriel's silver daggers had left a defeated Ranadir sat on the floor, his long curved sword fallen to the ground. Serilla cheered and congratulated Tauriel before helping Ranadir to his feet. She placed a chaste kiss on his cheek and Tauriel snorted at the look of bliss on his face.
Legolas POV.
Legolas entered the through the tall elven gates well past nightfall.
'I will see to my horse before changing into fresh clothes. Please tell the King that I will see him in a while.' He said to the messenger who bowed in response.
He was weary from the several days ride and patted his horse affectionately. Orun had been his faithful steed for several years now and the Prince was very fond of him. The grey stallion nickered softly as he removed his bridle and led him to a cosy stable with fresh hay. After making sure his horse was well cared for, Legolas was walking across the courtyard when he heard laughter coming from the training arena.
Who would be training this late at night, I wonder.
Curious, the elf walked towards the arena where he saw a honey-haired elleth cheering as a certain red-haired Captain bested Ranadir who fell on the floor.
Tauriel.
His heart soared and he picked up his pace approaching the group. The Captain had sheathed her daggers –new daggers? And stood with her arms crossed in front of her chest, watching the pair before her.
'Tauriel.'
She slowly turned, her eyes widening in disbelief as she froze where she stood. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Ranadir tugging the elleth out of the training yard, both inclining their heads respectfully as they passed.
Legolas took a tentative step towards the elleth and opened his arms. Tauriel rushed into them, wrapping her own arms tightly about his chest. Legolas leaned down and placed his forehead on top of her auburn locks, breathing in the scent of the sun and summer flowers.
Tauriel POV
I cannot believe that he is here! So long it has been and now finally, there is no distance between us.
Tauriel tucked her head under Legolas' chin; his musky aroma of young leaves and spring rain filling her senses.
She finally pulled back and reached to her hip, removing the white dagger and holding it out to be returned to Legolas.
He smiled and took the dagger; sheathing it at his back, before placing a reverential kiss on her forehead. Tauriel froze and looked up into his smiling blue eyes.
'Gi melin, Tauriel.' He whispered and her heart thundered in her chest.
Elvish
Nae! –Alas!
Posto vae –Rest well
Savo 'lass a lalaith –Have joy and laughter
Galu –Good luck/ good bye
Mae g'ovannen –Well met!
Dôl gîn lost –Your head is empty!
Gi melin –I love you.