Whispers of the Forest (Legolas x Male OC)

Edoras

The ride consisted of very little conversation and the group quickly realized they would not make it to Edoras that day. The sun was beginning its journey downwards but Gandalf pushed the group on, hoping for a more hidden place to make camp in the dangerous plains of Rohan. Luck was on their side it seemed as a small rocky outcropping pressed up against the river on the West Enmet came into view. Legolas's tired head lifted up from leaning on Sîrion's shoulder as Gandalf changed course to make for the riverside. A small part of Sîrion wished Legolas wouldn't have moved, the shift making his shoulder strangely cold. He pushed such thoughts aside as the horses settled into a slow walk, a sigh of relief escaping his lips at the thought of being able to finally rest somewhat peacefully since Lothlòrien. The horse came to a stop but Legolas did not make a move to slide off. Gimli was tasked with setting up a fire and Gandalf would take first watch once everyone had eaten and warmed up by the fire. Sîrion glanced back at the prince, whose arms were still tightly wrapped around the other's waist.

"Legolas? Are you alright?" Sîrion softly asked, hoping to not startle the elf who seemed to be in a trance.

"Hmm? Oh yes. I apologize, I got lost in my thoughts..." His voice going quieter as he spoke.

Sîrion chuckled and replied in a teasing tone, "Well, we have arrived at our stop for the night, my Prince."

Sîrion let out another laugh from the small scoff and scowl overtaking the Prince's face as he finally unwrapped himself from the listener and slid off the horse. Sîrion followed, tying the horse's lead to a small tree beside Aragorn's. A small fire was crackling with Gimli grumbling beside it as he set up his bedroll. Sîrion began to do the same as he nibbled on a small corner of Lembas bread. Gandalf stood, looking out over the river as the sun's final rays disappeared for the day. Legolas sat down against a rock resting beside Sîrion's bedroll, resting his bow and arrows on the ground beside him as well as the rest of his belongings.

"You should set up your bedroll, Legolas. Gandalf offered to take first watch and it has been much too long since you have slept." Sîrion sat crossed-legged on his bedroll, leaning against the same rock.

Legolas shook his head, a small smile gracing his face, "I do not think I'll be able to sleep tonight even if I tried, there is too much on my mind as of late."

Sîrion frowned, looking over at the Prince. He could see how tired the prince truly was. The dullness in his eyes, his graceful movements becoming slower and the way his head leaned against Sîrion's shoulder during the ride was evidence enough.

"Come," Sîrion patted the spot beside him, "Tell me what troubles you."

Legolas slowly scooted over and onto the mat. He did not want to trouble Sîrion with his questions quite yet but the mysterious past of the other elf was gnawing at the Prince. Why did Sîrion continuously travel? What sort of darker road had he travelled in his younger years? The more Legolas came to know Sîrion, the more questions seemed to pop up. Legolas was pulled from his thoughts once again by Sîrion bumping his shoulder.

"Legolas?"

"Sorry, I slipped into my thoughts again," Legolas gave a weak smile as Sîrion raised an eyebrow, "How is your hand?"

Sîrion fought the urge to hide the bandaged hand. "It's fine. What is on your mind, Legolas?"

Legolas looked up at the sky slowly becoming filled with stars.

"I worry for Frodo and Sam." It was technically the truth. He did worry much for the two hobbits who were no doubt facing much more danger than himself but it wasn't the thing causing him to be lost in thought for hours.

Sîrion nodded in agreement, "I worry for them as well. They are strong and stubborn though. I'd be surprised if they were not to succeed."

Legolas smiled warmly at how fondly Sîrion talked of the pair.