The Witch of Chaos - (a Legolas Fanfiction)

Chapter 4: The Spies of Saruman

 ⁂●Chapter 4: The Spies of Saruman  

 "We'll stop here, rest my friends. You deserved it." Aragorn exclaimed while sitting on the nearest rock.

"Aoife, you're struggling with your hair, right?" The concerned woman tilted her head. "I mean, it's very long and when the wind's blowing, it's must be a pain in the neck!" Merry scratched his forehead.

"Maybe we could braid it for you?" Pippin asked, suddenly nodding. "Us, Hobbits, know how to take care of hair. For sure!" He proudly put his hands on his waist.

"I gladly accept your proposition, gentlemen." She sat on the ground, putting her hair backwards. "Even for fighting, it would be better."

"Sam, do you want to help?" Frodo questioned, a lock of red hair in the hand.

"Oh no, mister Frodo. I would not dare to get miss Aoife's hair dirty." Sam withdrew few meters away. Each of the three Hobbits seized a lock of hair, they had decided to make three braids in order to create a bigger one from the three locks.

"Fortunately, you're not Dwarves, or else I would questioned this strange performance." Gimli inhaled the smoke of his pipe.

"Why?" Merry frowned.

"Braiding is a Dwarvish courting."

"What?! We're not..." Merry let go of the braid, irritated. "It's not even a Hobbitish courting!"

"What about elves, is it a part of courting too? They do really take care of their hair." Frodo smiled, they all turned in Legolas' direction.

"Oh." He caught the eye of Aoife. "It is not an elvish courting, but we do like arts."

"I see. Thank you." Frodo tied the braid while Pippin added some flowers he found, they were not so lovely but it was the thought that counted. "It's all done."

"Thank you." She seized their faces, putting a kiss on each of their cheeks.

"Come on, little ones. It's time to train." Boromir threw swords at their feet, Pippin was still holding his cheek.  

 Legolas stood not so far away, staring into the distance. The Prince of Mirkwood was thoughtful, it's been months since the Fellowship left Rivendell and he still did not know how to start a conversation with his dear red-haired woman. She had been busy getting to know her new companions, some of them were still mistrustful but some of them were already appreciating her, the Hobbits were the perfect example of it. But he, Legolas, did not know what to do, she seemed so distant but so close at the same time. He had so many things to say but no words were escaping his lips. It should be easy, they had already traveled together, after all. He, who could only gazed upon her face. And then, he did not know the Witch stood behind. Only noticing her presence when she stroked his shoulder, they both continued to stare at the distance. For a minute or more, he did not know. Aoife searched her pockets to found an apple then she took a bite. She placed the fruit in front of the Ellon's face who raised a brow.

"Eat it."

"No." She frowned.

"You did not even eat, just take a bite." The apple dangerously approached his mouth, he gently pushed it.

"I'm not hungry."

"Take. A. Bite. I said." She munched the apple. "See? Easy." She pushed the fruit towards his lips, he carefully grasped both of her wrists.

"And what you're gonna do?" Legolas gained his self-confidence back, a grin carved on the face.

"Don't ask me what I am going to do, darling." She pressed her body against his torso, devouring the Prince with her eyes. Aoife was about to close the gap between their faces while she sensed something in the distance. She trotted and jumped on the nearest and highest rock. Legolas followed her, aware of the strange shape coming in their direction, he squinted.