Gandalf

As promised, Legolas returned to the meager camp of the Fellowship as the moon was setting behind the Misty Mountains. He was careful not to sneak up behind Gandalf, who was on watch but clearly doing some deep thinking.

"Did he apologize?" Legolas asked quietly.

Gandalf chuckled, quickly surfacing from his pensive state. "As much as he possibly could."

"He never was good with authority figures," Legolas said.

Gandalf extinguished his pipe and invited Legolas to sit by him. "And how are you holding up?" Gandalf inquired.

"Well enough," Legolas shrugged.

A sudden loud snore startled them both and Legolas shut his eyes angrily, attempting to regain the center he had after spending a bit of time on his own. "Every sound he makes stings me," Legolas admitted.

"It was me who convinced Elrond that Gimli should be a part of our company," Gandalf said.

"You, Gandalf? But why, when you know what hostility there is between us?"

"Dwarves are intensely loyal," Gandalf said, "and once their loyalty is given, they will fight harder than any other race I've encountered. And, yes, I remember what happened at Erebor. I know more than you do of that battle."

Legolas's glare was then swiftly directed to a sleeping Ranger near the Hobbits.

"Oh, he did not say anything. Your heart is in your keen eyes, Legolas," Gandalf said soothingly.

Legolas turned to look at Gandalf. "You know much that is hidden," he said, resigned.

"Sometimes, one has to. For instance, I know that it was Glóin who pulled Imin off the field that day."

"You know this to be true?" Legolas gasped.

Gandalf nodded, then after a moment amended, "well, it was either him or Óin… they were difficult to tell apart."

Legolas was quiet for some while before glancing again at Gandalf. "I am sorry for questioning your judgment, let alone that of Lord Elrond. It is I who needs to change, I must learn to adapt to the world outside of that which I know."

Gandalf smiled brightly. "That is the noblest sentiment anyone has expressed so far on this journey. This rabble will be glad they have you along to bring some refinement to things," Gandalf said encouragingly.

Legolas, however, was staggered. It did not take him any time to put together all the elements of what Gandalf had just said, the tone of his voice, the look in his eyes, the way he clasped Legolas's shoulder distractedly. It was all indicative of someone planning to part ways soon. Of course, that was practically to be expected when one traveled with Gandalf, but Legolas had genuinely thought that Gandalf would stay for the duration of this quest, if only for the sake of the Hobbits. And how would they get along without all of Gandalf's inherent knowledge of the land, all his useful little tricks, let alone his surprisingly far-reaching wisdom?

"Oh, I don't have any plans for any detours this time," Gandalf said, obviously reading Legolas's silent reaction. "But we must always be prepared for every eventuality. If one of us falls - and don't try to tell me that any member of this fellowship doesn't know that it is a possibility – everyone must work together to fill that gap. I know that you understand this reality, Legolas. Aragorn and Boromir do as well, they know battle."

Still Legolas said nothing. Gandalf seemed to foresee himself not lasting long on their journey. Of course it was an understood risk they all took, but hadn't the plan been to travel in secrecy, avoiding danger as much as possible? And contrary to the image of a feeble old man, Legolas knew that Gandalf was a formidable fighter when called upon. Gandalf was the last one Legolas expected to be vulnerable if it came to battle.

"Ah, we needn't fear what we do not know. We must only be prepared. But, I am going to rest for an hour or so. Would you prefer I wake Gimli for his watch?" Gandalf asked, sweeping the matter at hand aside.

Legolas still felt bewildered, but shook his head. "No, there is no need. I have taken enough rest, I will take the watch."

Gandalf nodded, wearing a sad smile. He only wished he would be around to see for himself the two most stubborn members of their party set aside their differences.

Much shorter this time, but Gandalf has to maintain some mystery, after all!