Whispers of the Forest (Legolas x Male OC)

Preparing for Battle

"I refuse to allow an insane elf into battle! It's a danger to my men!" The King spoke firmly, glaring at Sîrion.

This was supposed to be a battle meeting but it quickly turned when Sîrion walked in with Legolas by his side. He assumed it would be a quick meeting and that he could go unnoticed by the disgruntled looks of men if he stayed in the corner. But alas, the moment Aragorn asked where the king would like the elves to be positioned, Theoden immediately requested Sîrion to go to the caves.

"I can assure you, my lord, I am of perfectly sound mind," Sîrion took a step forward, a frown settling on his face, "Lord Aragorn's arrival should vouch for that and prove my ability."

"It proves nothing. A Ranger of the North surviving what seems to be the impossible is not uncommon. A mere coincidence!" The King snarled back.

"And the danger that is approaching? Does that not vouch for his sanity?" Legolas stood slightly behind Sîrion, a fire behind his eyes.

"As Lord Aragorn has said, Saruman wishes to wipe out all of man. To predict an army approaching this fortress is something any fool could do," Sîrion shook his head, taking a breath to try and calm himself.

His heart was racing in fear and some frustration. Fear that he would not be allowed to stay by Legolas throughout the battle because of the misconception of a prideful king. He had to ensure he wouldn't leave the archer alone in such an unfair battle as the one approaching.

"Gandalf trusts Sîrion with his life," Legolas took another step forward, keen on defending his friend, "He would have not allowed Alda on this journey if he believed it was a danger."

"With Gandalf gone, he is under my responsibility as King. His death would be on my hands," The King sighed, "It is a danger to my men and people to allow him to fight."

The room was silent for a moment, Sîrion rocked on his feet, nervousness causing his feet to tingle with the want to pace. He hadn't known how truly mad the King thought he was. To have Theoden believe he was someone who needed to be cared for rather than being Gandalf's friend was an awful feeling. He's being viewed as a burden.

"I do not need to be put under anyone's responsibility. I am fine by my own," Sîrion's eyes narrowed, "I have lived many lifetimes but men never change. Anything they do not understand, they determine it madness or something evil. They cut down others who are different, throw out those who obtain things beyond what men can achieve and then call Middle Earth together to save yourselves," Sîrion shook his head, "I refuse to leave my friends especially when we are short soldiers. Ten thousand Urak'kai will be at your doorstep. You can't afford to lose another fighter."

Sîrion quickly turned and left, no longer being able to even bare the presence of the King let alone the disgusted looks from the guards in the room. Legolas watched him go, tempted to follow but chose not to quite yet. The King scowled, turning to Aragorn.

"I say again, I refuse to allow him to go into battle,"

"I do not have a say as to what Sîrion can or cannot do. He is his own person and has never shown any signs of madness through the many years I've known him," The King glared at Aragorn, "But if it eases your mind Legolas can stay with him at all times."

Legolas was close to protesting, feeling as though Sîrion would still not appreciate this arrangement much either but it was better than before. The Prince decided to go along with it and nodded in agreement, a disgruntled frown on his face. Theoden sighed and waved them away, "Fine."

Legolas turned on his heel, intent on catching up with Alda before he disappeared. The listener was very good at staying hidden when he didn't want to be bothered. Legolas decided Sîrion wouldn't want to remain near people after the interaction with the king, narrowing his search. The Prince jogged out of the doors, quickly making his way up onto the wall. He assumed this place would either be where Sîrion went to get away from the busy crowd forming around the main hall and surrounding areas. Luckily, Legolas made it up just in time to see Sîrion about to disappear through another door that led to a more isolated part of the wall.