Chapter 10
I slow my descent on the stone stairs. The bark of the tree at the bottom of the stairs curves and creates beautiful designs. Vines also litter the makeshift wall. It's almost like I'm descending into a sunken room.
The ground is all leaves and dirt except for the center. Ferns and foliage climb the pedestal the basin for the mirror sits on. The moonlight hits it so perfectly it looks like it's glowing white. To the side is a small waterfall. I watch her gather some water in a vase from it while I make it down the last few steps.
"Will you look into the mirror?" She watches me cautiously approach.
"I said I would, yes." One side of her mouth pulls up like she thinks what I said is funny.
She doesn't break eye contact as she extends the vase and pours the crystal clear liquid into the basin. I take a steadying breath then step to the mirror. I have no idea what it could show me. To Frodo it showed the fate of Middle-Earth but that was relevant to his journey.
I look down at the water. At first, it's still and black as night. I don't even see my reflection and for some reason that fills me with anxiety. It's like it knows I'm not from here. My heart rate picks up and I feel too warm.
There's a ripple in the water then colours come to life. My sister, in a hospital gown, lays in a bed. Her hair is plastered to her face, and she has tears in her eyes but she's smiling. Her husband stands beside her and they both stare down proudly. In her arms is a baby wrapped in a blue blanket. The image makes me emotional, and I try not to let the tears fall. I'm sad I'm missing the moment but happy her dreams came true. Something about the scene just feels so certain. I need to hurry up and get home before I miss this.
Before I have time to think anything else the picture ripples away and is replaced. Large pieces of land are on fire, then my sister and her family are running from their house that's burning down. A black wasteland is alight, and its creatures are flicking whips at something I can't see. Next my sister's neighborhood streets are filled with some kind of undead, slowly pillaging anything they find.
I knit my brows in confusion. The white tree of Gondor appears, its branches burning, then broken news reports of my country overrun by darkness show. I realise the mirror is flicking back and forth between Middle-Earth and Earth. Something about these visions seem less certain, like they depend on something else.
The flickering immediately cuts off and switches to one stead vision. Frodo and Sam are outside of Mordor. They're so close to completing their quest but I watch with helplessness as Frodo turns to Sam and says, 'I can't do it Sam, I can't go in there'. Sam looks disappointed but doesn't do anything to try and convince him otherwise.
I pull back from the mirror panting. It returns to being pitch black and smooth. My mind is reeling. The first vision, the one of my sister having her baby, it felt certain. Does that mean that's what's happening now? Or has that already happened? Very likely. The other two, the flickering and Frodo's choice, felt contingent. Do they depend on my choice to stay or return home?
"You are very perceptive." I snap my head up to Lady Galadriel. She's watching me. I didn't realise I was thinking out loud. "I would interpret your visions the way you have."
"I could go home and see my sister get what she wants… but how long would that last?" I ask.
"That I cannot say, for I myself do not know the future." I tear the inside of my lips apart with my teeth.
"Are you even able to send me home?" I ask almost in a whisper.
"With two ruling rings in such close proximity, I have the ability. The one ring would allow it and aid me as it wishes not to be destroyed and you remaining seems to ensure that end." I swallow. "Think on your decision. Your company shall be leaving in a few short weeks. For now, sleep."
I nod numbly and leave the mirror and Lady Galadriel behind. I walk in a daze. I have way too much to think about to sleep right now. I pass the camp and continue to a talan I've seen Haldir frequent. He's standing with two elves, and they all stop talking when I cross the platform. I sit with my feet dangling over the edge, and I hear him whisper something to them. Two pairs of footsteps retreat and Haldir sits next to me. I look at him, unshed tears causing his perfect face to be blurry.
A brief explanation of my origins spill from my mouth. This is all too much and as much as I hate it, I need help. I need someone to talk to. He listens quietly as I tell him of my crazy past few months. I tell him of my visit with Lady Galadriel and what I saw in her mirror. I feel like I'm drowning in too many feelings and choking on my words. I wish this were all still just a fairytale.
"It seems like I don't have a choice." My lip quivers.
"I can leave to see my sister happy." I pause and give a teary laugh. "I always told her I was going to be the best aunt. Play with her babies and buy them all the coolest toys since I'm not having any of my own." I take a deep breath.
"But… if I do that, the quest seems to fail." A few hot tears slip down my cheeks. "Middle-Earth will fall and so will my world. They're connected somehow." I shake my head not understanding that part. He dabs at my tear stained cheeks as I build up the courage to voice my next fear aloud.
"If I don't go now, will I lose my only chance to? I'd never see my sister and her new family, or the dogs, or my world again. I'd be stuck here with no friend, no family, no home, nowhere to belong." I wipe the salty water from the corners of my mouth.
"I do not envy your decision." He finally says. "However, whatever you choose, you will not be alone. It seems you have made friends of the twins, and your company, and I would venture Lady Galadriel would welcome you here once the quest is complete." His words make me feel slightly better. I nod.
"But I also know the journey they're about to embark on," I sigh heavily, "I know it's not an easy one. They're about to see a lot of death and destruction and heartbreak. I don't know if I can…" I trail off, I don't want to admit weakness even if it's true.
"Eru Ilúvatar does not make mistake. If he sent us you, it is because you have the strength to do what is needed." My jaw trembles and fresh tears fall.
I'm so sick of tears. I close my eyes and breath deeply. I lean my head on his shoulder needing something but not wanting to make him uncomfortable. When he wraps an arm around me I turn my torso and cling to him. He strokes my hair tenderly and I feel like I'm a child again with no control over my situation.
When my eyes have dried, Haldir walks me back to our camp and waits until I'm settled in bed to leave. While nothing has been decided, talking has helped me feel lighter. Exhausted, I fall into a dreamless sleep.
I spend the next two days brooding. I'm angry. I'm angry I was dropped here in the first place. I'm angry both worlds depend on me staying here. I'm angry some of these people made me care about them and this place. I'm angry going home now isn't a real option. But I'm mostly angry about feeling guilty that I just want to go home.
I get up from my bed and grab my bag. Everyone watches me. They've just finished lunch, which I passed on, and are still sitting around the ever burning fire. I go over to the little area we set up for changing and pull on my leggings and long sleeve v-neck from home. The fitted clothing will be better for what I have in mind.
I walk back out and hear gasps and coughs of surprise. The group is doing a weird mix of looking at my outfit but also trying to be not obvious about it. Aragorn is the only one who doesn't look uncomfortable, probably because he's seen it before on our way to Bree.
I mentally roll my eyes and go to put my pack back by my bed. I return to the red-faced group and almost smirk as they try to avoid looking at me. It's just a little bit funny.
"It's just an outfit guys. The girls back home wear a lot worse than this. Has anyone seen Haldir?" I ask.
"He was here while you slept but I have not seen him since." Aragorn answers since he is the only one not tongue tied.
"Okay, I'm going to try and find him." I announce.
"I shall escort you." Legolas says and stands quickly.
"It's not necessary, but I won't stop you." I say and turn off toward his usual talan first.
Legolas walks beside me, and I can see him glare at anyone who's gaze lingers on me too long. I would tell him to cut it out but I'm too focused on my mission. Haldir's not at his regular talan and now I'm stuck.
"Could I suggest we check the march warden's confluence?" Legolas suggests.
"Do you know where that is?" I ask. He nods. "Lead the way."
He turns and leads me in a direction I've never gone exploring before. When another elf openly gawks at me, Legolas let's out a frustrated exhale through his nose and undoes his cloak. He fastens it around me and I raise an eyebrow at him in question. He silently pleads with me, and I decide not to push it. Satisfied, he continues leading me to this mystery meeting point.
The cloak blows open while I walk and Haldir does a double take as we approach. He excuses the small group of elves he's conversing with then comes to greet us. He looks at us expectantly and Legolas stands quietly to the side also waiting to hear my request.
"I would like you to train me. Running. Sword. Bow. All of it. If you have time that is." Legolas looks at me surprised.
"I'm sure I could find a good mentor for you." Haldir says.
"I want you to do it." My face flushes at my own rudeness. "I don't know the other elves here. I'd be more comfortable with you." I say. Legolas looks crestfallen but I keep my eyes on Haldir.
"Very well. There is not much time so we will run after you've eaten your morning meal, then swordplay will come next. We will practice with the bow after a midday break." He lays out the plan.
"Perfect, thank you."
"We will meet here at the training grounds."
I look around for the first time. We're under a canopy, around a table of maps. To our side, large targets are set up for practice and to the other side are racks of weapons to practice with. It's a good size area for training.
"Okay." I nod and turn to Legolas. "Will you help me get here until I learn the way please?" He nods. "Hannon le."
"If you will excuse me for a moment, I will finish my discussion then we shall get you fitted for a sword and bow." I agree then he goes in the direction the other elves left.
"Any member of the fellowship would have provided training if you had expressed the desire." Legolas says, a little rejected, when we're left alone.
"You all would have been too soft on me, except maybe Boromir, he would have been too hard on me." I say. "Plus, you should all be resting anyway. You can go back to the others if you'd like. I'll have Haldir bring me back when we're done." He hesitates but then nods in agreement and leave me to wait for Haldir's return.
"What made you decide to stay?" he asks as he leads me over to the weapons.
"I haven't yet." I say. "But I can't sit around and do nothing, I'd go stir crazy stewing over what might happen." I can tell by the drop of his shoulder it's not the answer he wanted but he doesn't say anymore.
He starts off by looking at the sword Glorfindel gave me and asks me about the bow I used back home. He agrees that the sword I have suits me then he scans a few bows. He chooses a 30lb longbow on the shorter end of the scale.
He shows me where and how to store them, and how to prepare them when I get here. When we're done, he walks me back to camp and tells me to get a good rest. The group is eating dinner so I quietly sit down next to Legolas, since he's the least likely to ask me questions, and grab a bowl for myself.
I wake early the next morning and find Legolas. He leads me to Haldir, well the training grounds, but Haldir is there, then he leaves us. Haldir and Legolas have this weird exchange where Legolas says he'll return later to walk me back, but Haldir says that's not necessary and that he'll do it himself. Legolas looks like he wants to argue but instead he turns to me and bids me well wishes for my training. I smile and thank him.
"Are you ready?" Haldir asks once Legolas is out of sight.
"Yep, ready as I'll ever be." I say.
Our run is more so jogging and heavy panting. Haldir doesn't even break a sweat, but I feel like I just stepped out of a pool. I don't complain though, the route he takes me on is gorgeous. We follow a dirt path through walls of trees and grass littered with Elanor flowers. The morning sun also comes through the leaves in beams and bathes the whole forest in a warm glow.
After we loop around back to the training grounds he tells me to rest while he gets my weapons. He briefly gives me a look like he's worried the moment he turns away I'll pass out. I give him a thumbs up and a smile and he turns toward the weapons rack. I don't think he's convinced but he doesn't say anything about it.
I drown myself in some water before trying to catch my breath. My heartbeat has just started to slow as Haldir returns. He hands me my sword and asks me to walk him through what Glorfindel taught me. By the time I decided to take it seriously, Glorfindel only had time to teach me some basic stances and the most likely blocks, parries, and attacks I'd use so I show Haldir those. He seems pleased and we practice those first.
After that we spar. For now, it's unstructured but occasionally he will stop us and explain a move that may have been more effective. The he'll repeat his attack and test if I was listening. Around midday we return our blades and take a break.
We sit in the shade of a tree and talk. He watches me drink from my crinkled plastic bottle and questions me about what my world is like. I start with the bottle then move onto the more 'basic' things like plumbing, electricity, and internet. I have a feeling he doesn't understand but he seems interested anyway.
Through the afternoon we practice with the bow. He corrects my stance then he just observes as I fire some shots. He seems pleased with my natural instincts because he only seldomly gives me pointers. By the end of the day I'm exhausted and I just know I'm gonna sleep well tonight.
Gimli and Legolas are missing when I stumble into camp. I smile to myself know this is the start of their friendship. I give the other members a 'hello' and 'goodnight' before I fall into my bed. I shuffle awkwardly into the blankets and pass out.
The days become repetitive. Haldir spends most of the day with me running, sparring, or practicing with the bow. Today, I return to camp feeling proud; Haldir didn't have to make many corrections. He mostly got to watch while I practiced. I've also stopped waking up sore every morning and I get 'killed' less and less often during our sparring. I don't get winded so quickly now on our runs and I can actually keep up for a while. Also, I have to retrieve fewer arrows from the forest.
"Miss Brielle," Sam says interrupting my reflection, "Won't you eat some dinner tonight? You've been skipping too many meals." He brings a bowl over to me. I take it with a thanks and join the group at the fire. Boromir is there but we basically ignore each other now for the sake of the peace.
"Where'd Legolas and Gimli go?" I ask whoever wants to answer.
"We do not know." Aragorn says. "The two go off nearly every day."
"That's good. It'd be nice to see a friendship between the two races restored." I smirk knowingly to myself. Aragorn picks up on my hinting at the future and lifts and eyebrow at me. I ignore him and look down to my food. They're still not back by the time I crawl into bed and I briefly wonder where they could be before I finally fall asleep.
Haldir is at our camp when I wake. I push myself up and pull on my boots, then go to meet him. He leads me a few feet away so we don't disturb the others still sleeping.
"Are we running a different trail today?" I ask with a yawn, his face falls.
"I apologize. We must put our training on hold. I am to be sent out on a patrol for the week." He says. My mood falls but I try not to let it show. "There are reports of trouble at the borders."
"That's alright, a break would be nice anyway." I plaster on a fake smile.
"You are free to continue making use of the weapons and grounds in my absence if you should like." He offers with regret.
"I may just do that. You'll come back and I'll be a whole new warrior." I joke with him, he gives me a small smile.
"I will return in good time."
"You're gonna kick butt!" I call as he heads back the way he came. He looks back at me in confusion and I wave him off.
I return to camp and sit by our ever burning fire. I cup my chin with my hands and support myself with my elbows on my knees. I don't know what to do with myself now.
"What troubles you?" Legolas asks, sitting beside me. I wasn't aware he was awake.
"Haldir's going on patrol so he won't be able to train me." I say. Legolas looks between me and Gimli with a frown.
"I would offer, however, I promised I would show Gimli to Mirrormere…" He trails off, "Perhaps he would be willing to delay the trip a day." He says mostly to himself.
"Don't be silly. You guys keep your plans. I don't need a partner. You'd be bored anyway. Haldir's mostly just been watching me more than anything else." I urge. He looks sad by the rejection. "It's good to see you and Gimli getting along anyway. I'm happy you're giving each other a chance." I encourage and he smiles.
"Yes, I am pleased we have put aside our differences. The Dwarves have an interesting history I would not have learned otherwise." I smile at his new found fondness.
"Enjoy Mirrormere today, I'll see you later." I say standing.
I decide to do my run first and get it out of the way. I also decide to keep my schedule of swordplay in the morning and archery in the afternoon. I practice some stances and movements on my own then move to the training dummies they, have to practice with force behind my strikes. Archery is fine on my own except my arrows keep landing slightly to the right and I don't know how to fix it.
When the sun starts to set, I return my weapons and head back to our camp. I grab a little of the food that was sent to us and sit with the hobbits. Legolas and Gimli are still missing but I assume they'll be back soon. I try to talk to Frodo, but he seems off. I wonder if he's looked into Lady Galadriel's mirror yet. I don't ask in case it hasn't happened yet.
Later, Legolas and Gimli stride in talking excitedly to each other about their trip today. Aragorn has a small smile for his friend expanding his circle and I'm suddenly very appreciative I get to see these moments in person. The movies and books left out too much of them. We all listen late into the night of their travels today.
I wake tired, but I push myself up anyway. Training goes much the same as it did yesterday. By the time evening comes around and I'm still shooting to the right, I'm super frustrated.
"Loosen your grip." Legolas suggests from my left. The suggestion irritates me more and I snap at him.
"I don't need your help." I squint at my target and loose the arrow. It lands right.
"Gripping the bow too tightly can torque-" he tries again undeterred.
"I said I don't need your help, I've got it." I say cutting him off. I notch another arrow. I can figure it out on my own. I always do. I rant to myself. I shoot again. Right again. I take a deep breath and let it out through my nose.
This is stupid. I'm getting annoyed over something I don't want to do in the first place. Shooting something with an arrow or slaying something with a sword is unthinkable for me. I drop the bow down and instantly regret it when Legolas flinches. I mumble a 'sorry' then go to retrieve my arrows. On my way back I notice Legolas putting my bow away.
"Come, you need a break." He says taking and storing the arrows.
"I don't, I'm fine." I say and cross my arrows.
He gives me a skeptical look then tries to guide me with a hand on my lower back. My brain short circuits and my cheeks heat. I don't think anyone's touched me here except for maybe an unwanted hug in the past. He stares down at me in question, and I look away quickly. I mindlessly follow as he guides me back to camp.
I keep to myself as I eat. We've all grown accustomed to each other, so no one really questions when I get quiet or withdrawn anymore. Except for maybe Legolas, he looks like he's trying to solve me like I'm a puzzle. I just stare into my bowl until it's late enough that sleep is an acceptable excuse to excuse myself.
Thud. My arrow hits right of the target again. A frustrated grunt escapes me. I make sure to put the bow down extra gently then I go get my arrows.
The grounds are empty today. It's odd to be in such quiet but not awful. Even with no distractions though, I can't get center. I pull my arrows out of the square bale and walk back to my bow. I grab an arrow at random, notch it, pull back, and squint. I take a deep breath, aim, and loose the arrow. It lands to the right. My hands and bow fall to my side and my shoulders sag.
"You did not loosen your grip." I jump and spin. Legolas stands with his hands clasped in front of himself.
"Jesus, you scared me."
"I apologize." He smirks and I can tell he's not really sorry. His face falls. "Why do you do that?" I get a sinking feeling in my stomach. The last time he asked me that we ended up having a touchy feely conversation. I sigh.
"Do what?"
"Push yourself too hard." His words make me pause. I wasn't expecting that.
"First of all, I'm not pushing myself too hard." I say. "Second, my arrows keep landing to the right. I'll practice until they land perfectly in the center." He moves closer and I have to look up slightly to keep eye contact.
"I was under the impression you do not want to hurt anyone."
"I don't." I say firmly.
"Then why push yourself so hard?" He repeats his question. I bite the inside of my lip and look away.
"I don't want to be the little girl who was defenceless, helpless. The little girl who has no control over what happens to her again." I can feel the word vomit bubbling up and I mentally curse myself, and him for tricking me into talking. "I don't want to be the little girl who got made fun of for incorrectly spelling a word in class or for not understanding math homework because my brain doesn't work quite the same way everyone else's does. I don't want to be the little girl who gets told what not to eat because of the way she looks, and I don't want to be a burden 'because I'm a girl'. So, I'll make sure everything I do is damn perfect so no one can tell me all the things I'm not!" I rant. My cheeks are warm and my eyes prickle and I'm so sick of tears, I'm not going to cry.
"Instead, you tell yourself those things." He says quietly. I clench my jaw. I feel like any movement and my composure will break. "I shall help you." He says grabbing and handing me an arrow. "Though, understand having perfection here is an unnecessary goal. The fellowship will not judge you for a missed arrow. Especially as Aragorn and I are the only one who can shoot a bow with any accuracy to begin with." The corner of his mouth tilts up and I can tell he's trying to joke with me.
I give him a watery smile then face the target. I prep and aim, but the arrow doesn't even land on the target this time. I sigh, close my eyes, and let my body sag.
"I will train you in Haldir's absence," he says then places a hand on my lower back again. I freeze, "but for tonight, come back to camp and rest." He takes the bow from me with his free hand then collects my arrows and stores my weapons while I stand there uselessly watching him.
We walk back to camp together, then I spend the evening sitting with him and Gimli, listening to all the day trips they've been taking together. They went to the same place Haldir took me to, Cerin Amroth, they visited all the surrounding rivers, and they even went to see some of the heart of Caras Galadhon where the Lord and Lady stay.
We talk so long the rest of our group retires and it grows dark. Legolas and Gimli are still wide awake talking animatedly but I'm half lidded and only contributing sleepy smiles. I cover a yawn and they fall quiet.
"You are tired." Legolas states.
"I'm fine." I slur and shrug one shoulder.
"Lassie, you sound like you've had too much to drink." Gimli teases. I give him a sleepy smile.
"'kay, fine, I'm a lil tired." Legolas moves to my side and extends a hand.
"I will help you to bed." He says.
"Y'know, that could mean something much less innocent than you're intending." I tease him. Gimli chuckles and Legolas' cheeks flush but he doesn't shy away.
I grab his proffered hand and let him pull me up. We start walking to the gazebo areas but I stop. Legolas turns to me in question.
"Can we bring my bedroll over? I wanna fall asleep by the fire listening to you guys talk." I cringe at how stupid I sound when I'm tired and my filter has disappeared. I'm about to retract what I said when Legolas smiles.
"Let us grab your things." He agrees.
I grab my little pillow while he grabs the blankets. We go to the log on Gimli's right and set up my bedding between it and the fire. I'm a little embarrassed as Gimli watches us, but Legolas isn't phased so I focus on that and slide into the bedroll. Legolas rolls the log back a bit then sits on it. Their conversation picks back up like nothing happened and the sound soothes me to dreamless sleep.
"The others will wake soon. Do you wish to move back to your canopy before they do?" Legolas gently strokes my arm to wake me. I nod with my eyes still closed. I hear him chuckle. "Do you wish for me to carry you and your bedding there?" I frown and shake my head. He chuckles again. "I request you open your eyes and assist me then."
I rub my face on the blanket then blink my eyes open. While I sit up Legolas brings my shoes to my side. I pull them on and stand. I grab my pillow while Legolas grabs my bedding.
"Did you stay by me all night?" I ask out of curiosity as we walk back.
"Aye." He answers. I'm about to tell him that was unnecessary but he continues. "I do not require as much sleep and there was little else for me to do." His words ease me but also make me feel a tinge of disappointment. Oh no.
"Do you wish to rest more?" he asks, laying out my bed.
"Um, no. I think I'm going to go for my run. Thank you though, for waking me, and helping me with my bedding." He nods in acknowledgement and I grab a change of clothes.
The pretty golden leaves fall slowly as I pass Mallorn tree after Mallorn. I've come to like running. Running calms my mind. It's hard to think too much when you're focusing on trying to breath and not trip on tree roots.
When I arrive back at camp, Legolas is ready and waiting for me. I grab a quick drink and an apple to eat on our way to the training grounds before we head out. He walks quietly beside me the whole way.
I catch him up on where Glorfindel and Haldir left off on my sword training. After that we spar. He doesn't go easy on me like I initially thought he would. I have to step back to catch my breath.
"You're good at this." I comment.
"My king is a formidable warrior." He says proudly.
"Why do you do that?" I say using his own cryptic words against him. He smirks.
"Do what?"
"Address him as your king rather than your father?" An array of emotions cross his face. First is surprise at either being asked the question, or that I know the connection. Then is recognition, likely realising the information was in my books. Next, he contemplates his answer. Finally, he settles on indifference.
"Habit I suppose." He shrugs one shoulder. "We address each other formally in front of our people." Our people. For some reason that makes it all the more real, more palpable. He'll likely rule one day. No wait, he sails. But still, he's a prince.
"What's he actually like?" I ask, interested to know how close the books and movies got to the real him.
"Best me and I shall tell you." He challenges, raising his sword.
I raise my sword as an answer. Our swords clash as we attack and block each other. I manage to hold my own for a while, either that or he let's me, so our spar doesn't end so quickly.
He slashes down at me and I meet his sword, then deflect his blow to the side. I step toward him and lift my sword to attack. He meets my sword and pushes my blade in a big arc to the right. The force is strong and I spin.
Just before I lose balance his hand wraps around me. He pulls me to him to steady me. My back meets his chest and his hand presses just under my breasts. I freeze.
"Apologies. I underestimated my strength." He says in my ear. I nod, my brain's empty and I can't come up with a good reply. Where his hand lays heats up and tingles. "Are you alright?" I nod again. "You must breathe."
I noisily suck in a breath. He's gone somewhat still and it crosses my mind that he's assessing me. I take another breath to collect myself then move to step forward. As I move, his hand slides across my ribcage and around my side until I'm out of his reach.
I turn to face him and he's looking down at me with confusion. I look back at him in a similar manner. Instead of wanting to push him away my skin tingles, pleasantly warmly, where he touched me. I don't know what to do with this. I look away.
"Maybe we should take a break for the day." I suggest.
"If that is what you wish." He says. I nod.
He takes my sword from me and returns them to the weapons display. We walk to camp in awkward silence, or maybe that's just me. Legolas seems content, pleased even, with whatever he's thinking.
We sit with Aragorn and Boromir when we get back. Surprisingly, Boromir bows his head to me, so I politely return the gesture. Aragorn gives me a smile before returning to his conversation with Boromir. I watch as they both sharpen their swords with whetstones like it's second nature.
"Some find my father cold." Legolas says to me. Gimli scoffs as he hobbles over to the fire. Legolas gives him a look before continuing. "That is only because he cares for our people greatly."
"I didn't best you." I say referring to his challenge and giving him an out. He smiles at me gently.
"I wish to share this with you." I nod. "Our kin and the Greenwood are his primary priorities. Sometimes this shows through his actions. Safety comes across as isolation and standoffishness, but we've not a complaint from within our borders."
"And what about you? In the books of my time mostly his standoffishness is portrayed." His face falls at my words. "I'm sorry, we can forget about this."
"No. I wish for you to know of his kindness and compassion." He says firmly.
Gimli and I, and eventually Aragorn and Boromir, listen to Legolas. He tells of when he was younger, when his father would worry over every injury he got learning to climb trees, or when his father taught him the songs and chants of different histories, or of his efforts to help Laketown thrive through overpriced (to the elves) trade, or when he welcomed Bilbo to the kingdom even though he was stealing.
Then he tells us of the way he lost his mother and how Thranduil became withdrawn but even more overprotective. I sneak a few glances at Gimli, and it seems like Legolas' stories might be positively influencing the dwarf's opinion of the elf.
When Legolas is done, Gimli fills the silence with the Dwarves history. It mostly matches what I know from a combination of the books and movies of my time. Boromir also takes a turn. He tells us of Faramir and Denethor. He details his fathers' slow fall to madness and hopelessness. I feel bad for him and silently promise him I'll do all I can to help him, even if its not much. For the remaining week or so I'll put aside our differences and try to be a place of peace for him.