Whispers of the Forest (Legolas x Male OC)

A Grove of Trees

They had spent half of the day riding to the encampment of Dunharrow, arriving just after the sun had reached its peaked. Sîrion had helped take in the horses, and though he enjoyed the company of the animals much more than pulling up tents with the other men, he missed the company of Legolas. The horses were kind, a wonderful distraction from the overwhelming silence in his mind, but Legolas' presence was comforting in a different sort of way. He enjoyed being near the Prince a bit too much, and since losing his ability, Sîrion worried he was excessively clinging to Legolas even though it had only been about a day and a half. He didn't want to push the archer away with his constant presence, so he chose to help with the horses once Aragorn and Legolas began to help set up the many tents needed for the camp. It was probably for the best. Sîrion hadn't allowed himself to think too heavily as of late, fearing how his thought may spiral if he were alone, but, despite the ball of worry wound tight in his stomach, he felt ready to let his thoughts spin once more. He led a horse over to where a couple of others were grazing and tied to an old fence, patting its head and ensuring it was close enough to the water trough. It knickered, pushing its head back towards Sîrion's hand, causing a small chuckle from the listener. He whispered in elvish little endearments and words of praise, earning another head bump. He sighed, wishing the wind could tell him what was ahead, how Gandalf was doing and if he and Pippin were still safe. Legolas had told him many times over the last day or so that the silence was most likely an act of Sauron. A desperate attempt to stop any warning to reach the ears of men and elves alike. He was convinced, for the most part, clinging to the Prince's words as if they were a lifeline and hoping with all he could that nature. He wished he could do something for Legolas as a thank you for the support he showed. Anything, but alas, they were at war and any ideas coming to his mind required time and materials he had no way of getting access to. He wished to give Legolas the world and anything else the Prince could desire. Sîrion's feelings had only grown since his talk with Fangorn, rather strongly, even after agreeing to forget about the kiss. He sometimes regretted agreeing to that but knew it was for the best. Whenever the urge came to confess everything or pull Legolas into a long close hug, he reminded himself that despite the Prince's less than good relationship with his father, he was still a prince. And one day, he would be needed for royal responsibilities, and Sîrion wasn't the one who could help with such a duty. He was a wanderer, someone who didn't stay in one place for too long and surely wasn't someone the Prince would want. He didn't even know if such relationships were accepted in Elven culture. He had seen what happened to men who loved other men in the villages... it was horrifying. Sîrion sighed, tying up another horse that was brought to him. He was in quite the predicament, but as long he could remain friends with Legolas, that would be enough.

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Legolas was worried for Sîrion. He was surprised to see the listener go off to help with the horses rather than sticking with the Prince as he had done for the last day or so. It was odd not to have Sîrion by his side, and he was honestly already missing it. He hadn't minded the increase in company and enjoyed having someone to share looks with or small words in elvish. Truly, he was more than willing to be the comfort Sîrion needed during this time. Despite how terrifying it was for the both of them, knowing Sîrion trusted him enough to lean on him without the Prince needing to fight for it was... amazing.

"Legolas?" Aragorn waved a hand in front of his face, "What are you smiling at?"

Legolas blinked, trying to stifle the smile to no avail, "Nothing."

Aragorn raised an eyebrow, passing a bag full of wooden pegs to the archer, "You should tell him," He pulled the rope tight, holding a hand out for a peg to be passed down.

Legolas reached into the bag, a bit confused as to why Aragorn needed him for this considering it was technically a one-person job, "What am I supposed to be telling and to who?" Legolas asked, perplexed as to what the ranger was speaking of.