Whispers of the Forest (Legolas x Male OC)

Stars

Sîrion leaned against the outside of the hall, awaiting the return of the fellowship. He had stayed back from the burial of the Prince, preferring to avoid the crowd and offered his condolences beforehand. The blow to his head from a couple of days ago still left a hollow ache. Being in loud, crowded spaces certainly took more of a toll on his head so he had spent the last few days outside and away from others. His eyes were closed and a small smile played on his lips as the wind whispered incoherently. It had been a little while since Sîrion was able to just enjoy the presence of the nature that was around him without any interruptions. It was short-lived though as he felt a new presence sit beside him, softly as if not to disturb him. The wind gave a few babbled words of excitement at the new person.

"I'm not muttering again, am I?" Sîrion opened his eyes and glanced at Legolas, who looked slightly startled.

Legolas shook his head, "No. I didn't mean to disturb you," He rubbed the back of his neck, looking as if he was going to stand up and leave.

"I don't mind the company. How was the burial?" Sîrion closed his eyes again.

"It was interesting. Different than elven customs. I hope it gives the people the peace they need during such dark times. I fear many fallen will not get the luxury of a ceremonial burial with the times coming," Legolas explained, staring off to the horizon.

Sîrion hummed, "I fear the same. The air feels restless here. I am curious to see what the King decides to do about Saruman," Sîrion shifted, scooting closer to the other elf.

"I am as well," Legolas paused, seemingly to contemplate what to say next.

"Something else is on your mind?" Sîrion asked, peeking over at the prince with one eye, "The wind seems to think you're on edge."

Legolas chuckled shyly, "I did not think the wind could pick up on such things."

"It can be perceptive when it wants to be," Sîrion replied, opening both eyes and turning to give the prince his full attention.

"Interesting..." Legolas's eyes focused on the distance.

"What is on your mind," Sîrion asked once more, gently as to not make the prince feel pressured.

"Does the wind sound different than the trees?" Legolas asked, making eye contact with Sîrion.

"Yes. It tends to whisper much softer and is only heard when it wants to be. Otherwise, it's incoherent words almost constantly," Sîrion smiled.

"Do you hear them all the time? The different voices I mean?"

Sîrion nodded, "You learn to ignore it when it is unwanted. I find the constant noise comforting at this point though. Without it, the world feels... wrong."

Legolas nodded in understanding. He was curious what it would be like. To not only feel the wind on his face but hear what it had to say as well. Same with the trees or the babbling brook. That connection with nature was something an elf could only dream of.

"Is there a spell that could let me hear the wind as well?" Legolas asked, looking up at the sky.

Sîrion thought for a moment, "Perhaps. Fangorn never told me if it would work on anything but the trees," Legolas gave a slight nod, "We could try someday if you would like."

A simple smile from Legolas caused a flutter to begin in Sîrion's chest. A desire to make the Greenwood elf smile again grew as he felt heat rush to his cheeks. Sîrion shifted, leaning onto his right hand only to let out a hiss at the sharp, deep pain shooting from his hand. He sighed, realizing he should probably find some string to stitch up his hand before it healed too much.