Legolas glared back in the direction of the camp where the other seven were. Aragorn had always known Legolas as an upbeat travel companion, there were few things that could truly anger the calm wood Elf, but there was heat emanating from Legolas's grey eyes now.

Suddenly Aragorn was glad his outburst had caused to troupe to stop for a while. If Legolas was this tense about traveling with Gimli, it would not be of any advantage to have the feud carried along, especially with the Ring already adding all the danger anyone needed.

"I think perhaps you and Gloin's son ought to clear the air between you," Aragorn reasoned. He was unsure what sort of reaction that would bring.

Legolas spun round and advanced upon his friend. "Do you know what it is like to see your brother brought back from battle upon a bier, still covered in black orc blood?"

Aragorn did not have to ponder much. "Yes, I do know that."

"But you have never seen a dead Elf, have you? You do not know what it is to watch your immortal brother die before you."

"No, Legolas, and I hope that I never shall. This is why I wish that you and Gimli would come to some peace. We do not have the luxury of enmity among us. We must all depend on one another, how shall it be if we distrust each other?"

"I told Lord Elrond that I did not believe it was wise for a dwarf to travel with us, but he said just what you say now. You and he both have such hope for the free races working as one."

Aragorn looked askance at his friend. "We must, Legolas. It is impossible for each race to attempt to take on Mordor alone. Each race has a natural ability that the other races can benefit from."

Legolas folded his arms. "What is the natural ability of the Dwarves that will save us, then? Thievery? If we but asked them to steal the enemy's weaponry from them, perhaps…."

"This is not of what I speak, Legolas. You yourself mentioned Erebor, did not Elves and Dwarves work together to fight against many foes? Could we at least have a truce until this quest is either accomplished or we are finished?"

Legolas's eyes narrowed. He said nothing.

"What then would have happened if there was no battle at Erebor?" Aragorn asked, a challenge in his voice. "Would your brother have lived, only to face this quest in your stead? Or mayhap there wouldn't be a quest, suppose instead of a battle Bilbo was captured and taken to Sauron directly. I would think none of us would be here now if that were the case." Legolas was on the verge of lashing out at Aragorn, the Ranger knew it, but he was not finished. "No, I have not had to see Elladan or Elrohir taken from me, not yet at least, but just when I was starting to comprehend what parents were my father was shot down in battle. My mother never recovered and she too was taken from me. Out of that horror came something I would never trade. I never really knew my real family, but I wouldn't be here today if not for my true family. Legolas, no one knows what the future holds, not even those who are gifted visions. There may come a time when you owe your life to a dwarf. There may come a time when we all owe Middle-Earth to a Halfling. Or maybe there will come a time when all fails and the only one left to say farewell to at the end is one you deemed a rival."

Legolas was silent for some time before saying quietly, "I hated my brother's last words. He said to me, 'it was a dwarf, Legolas. Repay them.' One of them killed Imin. Am I supposed to just forget that?"

Aragorn frowned deeply and shook his head. "You know that that is not the correct interpretation of those words. Had you really believed that, I know you, you would have made war on Erebor yourself."

"It was my father's interpretation. For me to say he is wrong is, theoretically, treason."

"We are not in your father's realm. Had I been listened to we might be, but once again, I can see that the situation is as it is for a reason. So now I realize that I owe Gandalf an apology, and… perhaps you could set aside your bad blood with Gimli?"

"What would my father say if he found out? He would accuse me of dishonoring Imin's memory. You know how he is, Aragorn. You've been there with me. I want to prove to him that I am worthy of Imin's place, despite that I never wanted it. For him to fall because of battle and then having none fill his rank, that would let him down. But adar doesn't think I am able to lead."

"By telling me that you will not call a truce with Gimli because of a grudge you know to be wrongly held, you are proving him correct. I know what it is to have to stand against your own father, Legolas. But the only way to really prove yourself is to do what you know you must do, regardless of who disagrees." Aragorn dipped his head a bit to attempt to see Legolas's eyes as the elf's head was bowed in thought. He knew the look the elf wore to mean that he was cracking through that thick Elven skull. "And as for me, I know that what I must do is eat, and damn Gandalf's no-fire rule. So, if you like, we can go back to camp now."

Legolas shook his head though. "No, I wish to stay here for a time. Go on ahead, if the Halflings get to the food before you, you shall starve."

"Suit yourself, Elf. Just promise me that you will return at some point? Without your senses and archery, I hold little hope for making it to my Kingship."

"That should go well enough for Lord Boromir, I imagine," Legolas smirked. To think Aragorn had the nerve to sound him out about feuding with the dwarf! "I will return before moonrise."

Aragorn gave a dubious look and headed off back to camp. Legolas was right, he did need to be a little more cooperative with Boromir.

"Aragorn?" Legolas called after a moment.

The Ranger turned back, fortunately not having gotten too far.

"Don't mention any of this to the dwarf."

Aragorn chuckled and started back again. He was very thankful to be surrounded by friends.