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Aragorn shifted a bit, trying to find a more comfortable position against the roots of the tree. He hadn't expected to encounter a lone elf this far out along Thranduil King's borders. But, he didn't mind the interruption of his solitude in the least for he found this elf to be particularly lovely with a very clear, light voice which did the ears good to hear. The man rested his eyes upon his fair companion. The diffused, yellow-green sunlight seemed to cling to the unknown elf like a halo about his form and made the blue in his deep, dark eyes sparkle. His incredibly light blonde hair was braided at the sides of his head in the fashion of simple elven hunters before falling almost to the middle of his back, framing his delicately pointed ears. If Aragorn had not already looked upon the Evenstar he would have proclaimed this elf to be the fairest of its kind.

His thoughts turned to the lovely maiden who was his foster-sister and felt his chest fill with a sense of longing accompanied by burning futility and resignation in the pit of his stomach. His beloved foster-father would never let him pursue her. And surely, she found him most unimpressive. She, who had lived for thousands of years and so, was immensely wise and learned and sure of herself. With a sigh, Aragorn laid those musings aside. They would come to nothing and reminded him too much of the home he'd left behind a few years prior and the identity that he'd had to cast away. He was no longer just Estel; he needed to become king. He needed to go to Rohan and Gondor to learn of his race and gain experience in the commanding and organizing of armies. And yet, he found himself here, tarrying about in Mirkwood.

"Why is your face covered in those short hairs?" Aragorn was drawn out of his silent brooding by the inquisitive voice of the mysterious young elf.

"What? You mean my stubble?"

"Stubble? What an odd term for hair…" As he said this, the fae creature cocked his head to the side, confusion evident in his fair face. The sight gave Aragorn pause. He looked at him and realized that the pose made the elf look….what was that word females often used to describe such things? Adorable. That was it.

"It's the beginnings of a beard which men either let grow out full as in the manner of dwarves, trim and cut into styles, or shave off completely."

"Oh. Are you growing yours out now?"

"I am normally clean shaven but have not been able to keep up my appearance for a while now. So, I have this stubble as my beard is trying to grow out once more."

The wood elf fell silent once more. Aragorn had the distinct impression that the pretty elf had further inquiries regarding his facial hair but was holding them back forcefully. This struck him as amusing because normally it was elves that perceived what impulses men were trying to hide. Aragorn chuckled softly to himself before deciding to turn the conversation to a topic of decidedly more interest: the sweet little fae sitting next to him.

"So, why have you strayed so far out along your king's borders? Surely, it must be dangerous for you to be out here by yourself?" The blonde scrunched up his nose a bit at the ranger's questions before snapping back in an annoyed tone.

"Why do you ask? Do I not look capable of defending myself?"

"No, I meant no disrespect. It's just that I was under the impression that when Thranduil's folk leave his halls they do so in groups to guard against attack from the increasing evil which flows from Dol Goldur…" Aragorn was curious about the elf's rather testy reaction to his innocent questions.

"Oh. Well. Yes, that is true for the most part…. But, as to the reason that I'm out here by myself, well. I have my reasons." Dark gold eyelashes fluttered over limpid blue eyes in a show of flustered apology, unwittingly drawing the lone ranger's attention.

"Hmmm, alright then. Keep your secrets," Aragorn said. The corners of his mouth pulled into a subtle rakish grin. His voice lowered in timbre and grew a bit rougher in quality as he voiced his query, "But may I have a name?"

The pretty one considered him with a puzzled quirk to his brows for a few moments before responding tentatively, "Legolas…"

"A charming name, but don't you have a father and family?"

"Yes, but I think I'd rather have them remain unnamed for the time being," then he added hesitantly, "…you did say I could keep my secrets, yes?"

The ranger's grin sharpened into something more dangerous and wild as he responded in a low register, "yes, I did." The entrancing young elf's, no…Legolas' countenance became a bit more nervous and his posture bespoke of an inner battle to keep from squirming under the scrutiny of piercing grey eyes.

a/n~ Sorry if my chapters are a bit short, it just seemed to good to end here. I love feedback, it's my first attempt at writing a fanfic so I'm a bit nervous and very open to suggestions! I'll try to update this story again soon :D