I know this has been a long time coming, but I lost sight of where this story was going for a while. Nevertheless I hope you enjoy this, please review. Property of JRR Tolkien.
Legolas crossed the room to the bed and sank down on to it, feeling numb. Had he known the day before that he would be in this position he would have been unable to accept it – he had been so elated, yet now everything was off balance. The previous night and that perilous kiss seemed decades away.
Hearing a movement at the door, for one mad moment Legolas thought the Ranger had returned, but it was only Haldir.
'Forgive me for intruding, young Prince, but I met the Dúnadan on his way out and he directed me to your chambers.'
'It is nothing to apologise for, Haldir,' replied Legolas, feeling a sudden wave of irritation towards the March-warden – a feeling which he immediately forced himself to subside, Haldir is not the one to blame for Aragorn's sudden decision to despise my company, it is mine and mine alone, he thought, my choice is made. 'I am glad you are here, I have decided; I will journey with you to Lórien.'
'That is favorable news, Legolas,' Haldir smiled radiantly. 'I am overjoyed to hear it. When shall we commence our journey?'
'As soon as is possible, if it please you,' Legolas wanted to be as far away from this place as he could – plagued as it was with memories of the Ranger.
'Why, of course, allow me to prepare the horses and we can leave ere noon.' replied Haldir.
'Very well, please allow me to gather my things and I shall meet you at the stables within the hour,' Legolas gazed at the floor as Haldir left the room; he needed to be alone to process his thoughts. He lay back down on the bed, allowing the feelings to first hit him, and then flow through him. As an Elf, Legolas had seen many years, but he could not remember a time whence he had felt so excruciatingly lost. The kiss was a mistake, he cares for me naught – but then why am I pining over him? he told himself. He kneaded his fists into his head angrily as if to chase the gloom from his mind; he forced himself to stand up and drifted towards the bathroom. Running cold water into his cupped hands, he splashed it over his face as he said a silent prayer to the Valar to grant him the strength to unshackle himself from the Ranger's hold.
As Legolas left the inn and walked out into the bright sunshine, his sadness cast shadows over every step he took – the attempts to resolve himself to toss the Ranger from his thoughts had not worked. At the stables he met a cheerful Haldir, 'Ah, Legolas, we are arranged and fully equipped with enough lembas bread for a fortnight and a day,'
Legolas smiled wanly 'That is pleasing news, mellon-nin,'
The March-warden was not slow to realize something was amiss, 'But, young Prince, your countenance belies you. Pray tell me what it is that troubles you?'
'It is nothing, Haldir, please do not concern yourself with meaningless thoughts,' snapped Legolas feeling his frustrations take over the better of him.
The other Elf opened his mouth to say something in argument, but perhaps realized it would be futile, instead he nodded looking crestfallen, 'As you say, then we shall best be on our way.' Legolas guiltily inclined his head in return. Chewing on the inside of his cheek as he mounted his mare, he was relieved that Haldir would not press the matter further, and at the same time he could not stop from feeling even more terrible with himself.
As their horses left the gate of the inn, Legolas could not help but to pull on the reins lightly to stay his mare. He turned his head, as the cool breeze lifted and played with his hair, to gaze back at the White Horse Tavern, and wonder, how many others, just like me, have gained and lost their hearts' desires in this place?