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Chapter 2: Observations
Darkness seemed to swallow even the smallest light coming from the staff. The void of emptiness when presented with no light caused even the strongest of heart in the Fellowship to face becomes their nightmare in the pitch black world they had been forced to live in.
Legolas walked silently behind Gandalf, pondering his fears when Aragorn began to walk towards him. He grimaced; he remembered when he would have told the ranger anything. Yet now, faced with the fear that Aragorn may dismiss his fears as inane, he did not wish to speak with the ranger just yet. Not when he, himself, did not fully comprehend his own actions.
"Mithrandir," said Legolas, "I am wary of the dark presence which lingers behind us. I fear we are being followed. I will take guard in the rear of the Company."
The old Istar nodded silently, his eyes peering at Legolas understandingly from beneath bushy grey brows. Legolas strode towards the back, ignoring the stares of the Hobbits. He knew that Aragorn would speak with him, it was just a matter of time, but Legolas just wanted to forget it; though he knew as long as he traveled in the darkness of the caves he would not; could not.
It worked, Aragorn followed Legolas with his eyes but did not follow physically to the back instead he continued to walk alongside Gandalf where Legolas was a few moments ago. Though Aragorn wished to speak with Gandalf about Legolas, he restrained from doing so. However, that did not stop him from casting worried glances at Legolas every now and then that the Elf caught and returned.
After about an hour of this in silence, Pippin said, "I am tired! Can we not take a break to eat?" The other Hobbits agreed because they were not used to walking for long periods like this. Gandalf pondered this for a moment and decided to stop the Company for a rest.
Legolas sat down as near to Gandalf as he dared to go without getting everyone curious. Aragorn took this opportunity to sit near his troubled friend. Aragorn handed the Elf a piece of fruit but Legolas declined, stating that he was not hungry. Aragorn watched as Legolas avoided his gaze and fiddled with an arrow, carefully bringing his hands along the feathers, attempting to push all other thoughts from his head and focusing on when he had fletched this specific arrow..
Finally, after a long silence, Aragorn said, "Legolas, I know the darkness troubles you. Will you not tell me of your fears?"
"I am fine, Estel," said Legolas edgily—more so than he meant to. He abruptly stood up and took leave with a nod to the ranger, ashamed his emotions had come through when he spoke.
Legolas sat as far as he could from Aragorn so that he would not feel the Rangers seeking eyes. He does not understand, Legolas thought. How could he understand what it is like to be completely helpless as beasts mercilessly torture you and not a hope in the world shines through… not in that accursed darkness. The darkness which lingers in my mind still… I have given up long ago on facing the memories; they are best left untouched.
Legolas looked over at the ranger who was still sitting beside Gandalf, speaking in quiet undertones. He knew his friend meant for the best, and was only trying to help, but Legolas' pride would not allow help... even when he needed it. His pride refused to allow himself sympathy… or even friendship; not after Saruman. He simply couldn't bring himself to care about his own health.
The elf allowed his gaze to pass over the rest of the Fellowship. Pippin and the Hobbits were all talking animatedly about the best way to cook 'taters and Boromir was near them, listening amusedly.
Gandalf stood up tiredly and called for everyone else to do so as well, so that they could continue their journey. Legolas was oblivious to that, so caught up, was he, in his thoughts.
Gandalf called out quietly, "Legolas."
Legolas was jerked out of his thoughts to see that the Company was waiting for him. He stood up, cursing softly for not paying better attention and nodded towards Gandalf. Gandalf called everyone's attention as he said, "Why doesn't Gimli here tell us a tale from these Dwarven halls?"
The Hobbits all eagerly agreed to a story and Gimli began talking. Legolas paid no attention to him, but to his surroundings, he could have sworn he saw... something. However, could not place it anymore, though the feeling of unease continued.
Aragorn walked with Gandalf conversing quietly and occasionally glancing at Legolas who appeared to be very unsettled by something.
Eventually they were all walking in pairs except for Legolas who stood alone at the end of the line. Gimli walked near the Wizard still telling tales, Then came Merry and Pippin, and Frodo and Sam, after them came Aragorn who walked beside Boromir. While Gimli was telling a particularly intriguing story, Pippin called Merry aside.
"Merry," called Pippin softly.
"What now, Pip?" said Merry, slightly annoyed. He figured his younger cousin was just going to mention he was hungry or tired again. Needless to say, he was a bit surprised at the note of somberness in Pippin's voice as he asked his next question.
"Have you noticed Aragorn and Gandalf? They have been... acting a bit, well, strange lately." Pippin looked over to Gandalf who was speaking softly with Aragorn.
"How do you mean?" asked Merry, now intrigued.
"Well... they sort of keep glancing at Legolas... quite often actually... as though they were worried. Earlier when Legolas was shooting arrows his sleeve went up a bit and I saw part of a scar on his arm. I just wonder how he got it. It just seems a bit odd that's all," Pippin finished thoughtfully.
"I dunno, Pip, if you re so curious why don't you ask him instead of me—oof!"
Merry had just bumped into Sam, who had stopped. Just then Merry noticed that the whole company had stopped and were all looking at Gandalf. He listened in fear as Gandalf spoke words which caused a ripple in the reactions of the entire Fellowship.
"I have no memory of this place."