Chapter 3

Hello Hello! This is the continuation of the story! please enjoy reading and forgive me for my mistakes!

I am so sorry it took this long before I updated it -_-"

Please enjoy!

Strider was seated alone on the empty tavern, most likely waiting, with clouds of smoke circling him, and a pipe weed on his hands, when Legolas descended from the stairs with a very calm expression on his face. Legolas did not seem to spot him and Strider watched as the Elf's head turn to search around, his braided golden hair following every move, and his gait with the ever presence of grandeur. Strider lifted his own head a little, his eyes boring on the elf that finally caught his eyes and made to move toward his direction; at this, the man's heart thumped hard at the approaching beauty. The Elf seemed to have cleaned himself for now he looked neat and tidy than the man last saw him. He tried still to keep straight eyes and face but the groaning beast was keeping his body tense and nervous. Cursing a little, he straightened up on his chair as Legolas halted in front of him.

"So you are ready for a walk?" asked the man, trying to distract himself from the Elf's face.

"Yes," nodded Legolas, looking down at the man with an almost impassive face that Strider stood up and looked at him with a frown. Legolas stared back without blinking before Strider gave a short nod as they both made their way out of the inn.

"Oh, wait-" muttered Strider as if he had just remembered something as he stopped on the doorway, making the Elf halt too. He looked down his body and then untied his cloak, turning to the confounded elf; he offered the cloak, saying:

"Use this to cover yourself. I know how uncomfortable it is to be looked at so intently."

Legolas was startled at the sudden motion. He looked at the cloak then up at his master who was offering it, and for the first time his deadpan expression was replaced by an innocent wonder. Strider raised his eyebrows and shoved the cloak on the Elf's hands, turning around swiftly and muttering under his breath.

"Just use it." he added gruffly and headed outside, leaving the quiet elf staring after him. Legolas looked at the cloak, then smiled and put it on, disregarding the fact that it was quiet grubby and that he was newly cleansed.

The man walked on quietly ahead and the Elf followed him swiftly, with the dark cloak completely disguise his identity.

"Wouldn't I look more suspicious at this?" asked the Elf with the hood covering his head.

"Nothing that walks in black cloak in the middle of the day in this place would look suspicious more than an Elf such as yourself .Unless you want their eyes shooting at your looks- I think this concealment is better." said Strider as they head on to the trading place. Legolas walked a step behind him, weary still of some eyes following his movements. To his surprise, he did not find them daring as before and felt newly found relief filling his lungs. He looked sideways at Strider who was busily looking around for the items they needed for the travel. True, he had been surprised about his master's actions but then he found himself indebted to this man. Not only that, Strider has always been the one coming to his aid from the very beginning- a friend behind the firm and brooding features. This man is his master, stranger he might be, but Legolas could feel something different about him. Something he had notice from their very first meeting- something about this man Legolas could feel worth to find out.

The Elf was quiet occupied with his thoughts that he bumped on Striders back when the man stopped on his tracks for some apparent reason.

"Strider-?" he started in query, looking at the man. Whatever gentle and benign manner the man had shown the Elf a while ago was now completely gone; it was as if it was never there for it was replaced by forbidding features that startled the Elf. The man's sharp cold eyes formed into slits, the Elf's heart skipped a beat at how scary and formidable the eyes were, and he immediately looked at where these serious eyes were looking.

Some pace from where they stood, a basket of fruits was on the ground and an old woman was feebly lying with it. The old woman was shaking in fear; two tall men was towering above her and were shouting curses, pointing their loathsome fingers down the figure. This feature made Legolas' livid and felt the same revulsion the man beside him was feeling.

Swiftly as an Elf, Strider made his way toward the scene, pulling out his sword in the process, with Legolas bringing up the rear.

"Leave her!" Strider's voice rang through the whole street, surprising even the Elf who was right behind him.

The two men looked up and when they saw Strider upon them, they pulled their swords out of instincts and there was a clash. Folks around, who stood watching from their corners a moment ago had gone and ran for their lives with gasps and cry for the rumble and destruction the fight was causing. Legolas watched Strider fought the two, feeling suddenly helpless. He then noticed the old woman and ran toward her, gently pulling her and leading her to safety while other people around ran to hide.

"My- arm-" whispered the woman as Legolas gently made her sit.

"It's all right," whispered Legolas back, and checking the arm, "Does it hurt you?"

"It is not much painful," came the soft reply. Legolas watched the old woman whilst his ears were straining to hear everything that was happening on the combat.

"Your companion is in danger," whispered the woman suddenly, "You should help him, lad."

Legolas was about to nod for he was aching to help Strider but decided against it for he does not have any means to help.

"No, he wouldn't want me on the way. If he calls for me, then I shall, otherwise I will stay with you…and…" Legolas looked up to the scene where Strider was now exchanging clash with one of the men still standing, "He is a very strong man. He will not go down easily."

He heard Strider growl and looked up to see him kicked his opponent below the chest and raised his sword menacingly- ready to strike- but then stopped. Strider breathed heavily, as he looked at the fallen man. He looked around him, and saw the ruckus they had made; the street was empty and the other companion of the man before him was slumped on the ground and was slowly stirring. With a sharp turn, he lowered his sword, stood straight with his shoulders falling down and drew in a breath as he addressed the fellow before him.

"You dare call yourselves men? You assail innocent people- for what-? Your spiteful needs?"

The man looked at him and Strider shook his head, anger still forming inside his chest.

"Be gone from sight."

With that, the unknown man quickly got up from the ground, clutching his stomach and ran, with his companion rising up, and following him swift.

Watching them still from a distance, Strider looked at where Legolas and the old woman hid and saw that Legolas was looking his way. With a serious shook of his head, he headed toward them and knelt on the ground before the woman.

"Are you all right, my lady?"

"I am but a little tired, Master, and I thank you my lads, thank you." said the old woman softly as she gave Strider a weary but earnest smile. Legolas lifted his head up to look at Strider whose eyes now shine with relief and wondered slightly how the man could manage to hide his still fiery aura as he addressed the old.

They helped her gather her things and accompanied the old woman into an inn where she said she will fine; she gave them an apple each and the two companions left to continue their way to their true destination. Legolas had been quiet since then, as he followed Strider after the fiasco. The man had noticed it but did not say a word as they went on and walked. They arrived at the place and Legolas was taken by surprise at the many merchandise that was being sold, and the number of people around and the loud voices of the traders as they invite people to purchase their materials.

"Well have to look for supplies, medicines most specially.'' said the man as they went on.

"Medical equipment?" asked the Elf, "Do you get into trouble that much?"

Strider snorted and raised his eyes, glancing briefly at the elf beside him, "What made you think I am the one whose always is in need of it?"

Legolas considered this for a while before answering, "Judging your way of interfering to other people's business, I say chances are big."

Strider rolled his eyes.

"I do not. It so happens that I do not always let ridiculous things happen under my nose, Elf."

"Aye, I assumed as much." said Legolas chuckling at his master and staring at him with respect.

The radiation of the laughter brought Strider into a stop and for a moment he was lost- he caught himself and coughed to make how mesmerize he was not too obvious. Legolas patted his back instantly and asked if he was all right, to which the man replied with a nod and a quick turn of his back.

They stopped at some of the stores to buy some medicines, cloaks and other equipments for travelling and after the basic ones, headed to the place of the blacksmith of town where Strider asked Legolas to stay outside. Legolas could feel the heat from inside the shop as he stood still and waited with some of their belongings on his hands. Standing still, he let his eyes roam around and saw puff of smokes from the vent of the blacksmith's house. He looked around more and saw some swords around. He stiffened at this, his hands closing into a fist as he remembered how he was robbed from his own weapons when he was captured. He ached to touch his weapons and even once, manage to save himself and not let his master do all the fighting. He remembered the fight that broke out a while ago and Strider fighting alone and this gave him a reason to fight- it made him long for his weapons even more.

Trying to distract himself, he looked around instead and saw Strider, at last, coming out of the blacksmith's house. He was carrying his long sharp sword and Legolas saw how the man handled it with care and fondness. He smiled to see the man's rare smile under the features which was indestructible a moment ago. The man approached him, stacked his sword on his side, and pulled something hanging from his shoulders.

"Here," he said, "I thought you might find this useful." Legolas' eyes lit up and widened when he saw what Strider was holding.

It was a long bow with fine linings etched on its handle and a leathered quiver full of arrows. The Elf looked back to Strider then to the weapon and reached his hands to touch it. When his hands made contact with it, Legolas knew it was one rare handy bow. It was light to his touch, though not any lighter than that made of the Elves, but it was smooth and no trace of flaw could be noted. Strider watched Legolas and suppressed a small smile.

"Come now and take it. My friend the blacksmith, make rare ones in his old age; this is one of those few he has made for he was more devoted in forging swords. Take it. I know how superior elves are when it comes to archery. Trust me."

"Strider, I-" started the elf but Strider was not listening. He was busy fixing his sword on his belt, muttering curses as he did. Legolas surveyed him fondly then smiled briefly as he hooked his new weapon on his back.

"Should I call you Master, by the way?" asked the Elf as they moved back to the tavern with Strider eating the apple the old woman had given them. The man glanced at him then casually took a bite on his fruit, before answering, "No, I'd rather you call me by my name. But then again Strider is only one of my many names."

"Ah?" nodded the elf, with raised eyebrows, "Then what is your real name?"

Strider's eyebrows creased a little, contemplating for a while and Legolas watched him as they moved on. They were near the Prancing Pony when the man answered,

"Aragorn. That's my name among the rangers, and among the Elves I am known as Estel."

"Estel?" repeated the Elf with visible surprise, the meaning not passing his knowledge.

"Don't be surprised." said the ranger with a snort, "The name hardly gives any impression to its owner."

"Who gave you that name?" asked the Elf, now very curious about his Master's identity. Strider smirked as they entered the inn whose insides has not change even with the sun high above the sky.

"My father." He answered, swiftly moving up the stairs, the elf on his heels.

"You have an Elven Father?" Legolas almost exclaimed as he catch up with the man.

"I do," said Strider with a meaningful grin on his eyes, as he now entered their room. "And I have two brothers and a sister."

Legolas lightly dropped all their baggage on the table and turned his whole attention to Strider.

"Who is your family?"

Strider headed on the window and opened it, and lifting his eyes up to the Elf he answered, in a serious tone. "My adopted father is Elrond Peredhil, ruler of Rivendell, living fortress of the Elves. I assume you know him for no Elf alive does not, and if you know him you would have known about his Twin sons, my sworn brothers, and our lovely sister Arwen Undomiel."

Legolas' eyes widened at this discovery and the ranger thought he saw him pale. Seeing this signs he asked abruptly, "And you? From which kingdom have come from?"

Legolas hesitated, looking at the man in the eyes. He paused for a little more before answering,

"I am… from Mirkwood Kingdom. Do you know it?"

"I do," nodded Strider, "And of its Lord, King Thranduil and his heir, one called Green Leaf- though I haven't meet him yet from my passed years."

Legolas nodded slowly, looking down the floor. Strider saw this then slowly approached the silent Elf.

"And who are you in Mirkwood Kingdom?" he asked quietly, feeling something amist about this Elven creature.

Legolas bowed hi head as he answered softly,

"I am…a servant there…"

"What? With your beauty?" exclaimed Strider, honestly taken aback and for a moment even Legolas forgot his worries as he looked up with raised eyebrows.

"I beg your pardon?"

Strider instantly looked away, then raised his hand and ruffled his black locks.

"I meant- the- place was beautiful, yes that…" he then abruptly turned around and left the room. Legolas watched his back then chuckled softly. He was not a fool, he knows affection when he sees one and he was not unaware of Strider's actions around him. He shook his head and chuckled once more but his titter instantly stopped as his gaze fell on the floor again with a deep frown forming on his face.

"Ada…" the Elf whispered.

-----------------

Strider was busy fixing the luggage on their horse when Legolas came down the inn and helped him pack. Two horses were ready to escort them and Strider was making sure all they need was there.

"How long are we expected to travel?" Legolas asked to diminish the silence between them, as he came forth at the back of the man.

"Three to four nights, elf, if we are not to be distracted by lingering evil creatures." answered the man, looking at him briefly and patting the horse. Legolas nodded then turned to the packs again to carry the things he must place on his own horse. When he looked up after a moment, he saw Strider murmuring on the beast's ears and became curious about it.

"Do you always speak to them like that?" he asked with a light wonder visible on his voice.

"I do. I have been doing this for ever since I was allowed to touch one. Is there a problem?"

"Nothing." admitted the elf, "It's just that- you are the first human I have seen to give such affectionate words to a horse. Other men never do that."

Strider did not say a word and patted his horse gently. After brushing the strands of hair on the horses back, he turned to Legolas.

"You must remember that not all men see the beauty of these creatures but only their use. It is but another fault of men and you cannot blame them for it. It is our nature… I try to make a difference even if it is but little."

"Bigger change starts with little things." commented the Elf smiling and Strider nodded in agreement.

The Elf watched Strider with awe and the man became conscious of himself that he cleared his throat and asked, "Why do you look at me in such a way? Have you fallen for me, Elf?"

At this Legolas blinked, startled then said, "It is not I to whom that question should be asked."

Strider's eyes panicked and Legolas hid his snigger. The man rolled his eyes after a while then said, "I told you not to test my patience. Why don't you go inside and ask how much we owe Barliman for the room?"

Legolas nodded with a smile and made to turn around when he stopped and turned to looked Strider in the eyes.

"I would want… to call you Aragorn if you don't mind."

Strider, who was also called Aragorn, blinked in surprise and gaped at the elf who was stunning him about everything and smile.

"I would appreciate that." He agreed, inclining his head down a little.

Legolas saw the twinkle that had appeared on the man's eyes and felt his insides lurch. With a single nod, he went inside without another word. Strider turned back to his horse and murmured something on its ears with a smile on his lips. He was too distracted that he did not notice, a shadow that appeared behind him. It was too late when he did and Strider stiffened when he felt cold blade pointing at his side.

"Don't make a sound. Follow me." The cold voice behind him commanded and Strider drew in a sigh.

Legolas' thought lingered on the man's expressive silver eyes as he went on inside and asked Barliman how much they owe him. He was eager to go out to tell Strider the cost when he saw the empty spot where Strider had been. The Elf looked around and saw no tracks of his Master. With a jolt of worry, he started calling his name.

"Aragorn?"

No reply came and the elf frowned as he went near the horse who now stood alone on its grounds.

"Aragorn!" he called again but no Strider had appeared. Frowning deeply, he looked at the horse and tried as much to talk to it.

The reply he got made his eyes widen and his heart thunder like it would burst into anger as his mind raced with what he had gotten from the horse's words:

Men. Blades. Weapons. Gone.

~TBC~