A friendly trip 2

8.

"Legolas. Hey. Listen.."

"Déorwyn. Can we talk?"

She looked surprised, but nodded with a kind smile and led him away from the people. They ended up back at the fence once more, and she jumped up to sit on the gate, her dress flowing down like green water.

"Have you ever felt like you would do anything not to see someone you care for in pain?"

She smiled, and he could see some pain in her eyes. "Is this about your friend?"

He looked down, feeling too embarrassed to meet her eyes. "I would do anything." He admitted, staring ahead of him. He could feel her gaze on him, but it felt welcoming. Comforting. He loved him, in a way, he had to admit. The word 'love' startled him, but it didn't feel weird. It felt strangely right.

"He saved your life."

"Yes." Legolas said. "That is why I wish I could repay him what he offered."

"I can see more than you, because I can see both of you." She interrupted him, now in that sweet voice. "...and still I haven't seen much. Only one time. You can't look him in the eyes, yet you stay so close to him at all times. It's comforting to you, I can tell."

"Guard your tongue." He warned her, but with no bite in his voice. It sounded almost like a plea, yet not exactly. A desperate warning. "You know nothing."

"I can see your eyes when you talk about him." She said with a soft smile he could not return. He felt attacked, almost. He did not want to listen to this, but was too polite to leave, so he just looked away. "You may feel ashamed but here in this place there's nothing wrong..."

"Shut your mouth." He said, not even ashamed of how he was speaking. The thought that she meant well didn't even cross his mind. He needed to defend himself, he realized. The thought of people thinking he loved the man made him want to come up with every lie and excuse he knew. He was ashamed of that thought. Of people knowing, or even assuming. It felt sinful.

"It's so obvious."

"You know nothing."

"Why don't you two just make out? It's not like he would refuse..."

"Stop."

"Legolas..." She sounded so kind then, retracting her mocking words, and he needed that kindness more than anything. So he turned to her, and met her gaze.

"There's no one in this place that would speak ill of you. You should know how many of us love someone like ourselves. There's nothing wrong..."

"I'm sorry. Déorwyn, I must go."

"Remember what I said."

"Thank you." He said as he turned to her. "I will."

She gave him one last smile as he left, wanting to run away and hide. As he walked back he felt like people looked at him, but when he looked around there was no one there. He felt like people could see his secret by just looking at him, and felt more exposed than he ever had. It was silly he knew, but irrational fears were still fears. Just like the trolls in the shadows of the fire the first night he spend here.

That night Legolas lay down next to Aragorn in the bed. He couldn't care less then, and needed the company. Aragorn, though surprised, quickly opened the blanket and let him lay down. Kicking his boots off Legolas crawled into the bed, and under the blanket it was warmer than he had thought. Closing his eyes he moved closer to the man, who lay on his side, watching him. He moved closer until they were pressed together, and the warmth almost drove him crazy. He needed it, so much that tears started to fill his eyes.