Whispers of the Forest (Legolas x Male OC)

Little Arrow

He was wide awake, eyes open and staring at the moon above. A soft breeze brushed past his face, and the soothing sound of water lapping up against the hull was the only thing to be heard. It was so peaceful, but the Prince's mind couldn't have been moving faster. He sat up from his bedroll, leaning against a crate beside him. The two elves had decided to sleep out on the main deck, enjoying being under the stars more than Gimli, who immediately took over the bed in the Captain's quarters. Aragorn had found a bunk underdeck with a mattress more comfortable than his bedroll. There was no need for someone to stay awake for the night watch or steer the ship as the ghost army had sent a soldier over. It was a good safe arrangement, yet Legolas could not fully relax. He was exhausted as it had been at least a week since he'd allowed his body a complete rest, but it didn't seem to matter currently. No matter how he tossed and turned, he wouldn't rest. Sîrion had fallen asleep hours ago when the moon was still low in the sky, and Legolas was thankful at least one of them would be fully rested for the days to come. Perhaps he would be able to relax tomorrow night though sleeping on the eve of battle was rarely a peaceful sleep. He sighed softly, staring up into the night. This coming battle would be a big step in determining the fate of Middle Earth. No doubt incredibly difficult and dangerous, and Legolas was heading into it with not the best track record of being aware. Sîrion had saved him from being injured or killed at least once in each fight they had, getting injured himself each time. Who was to say the next time wouldn't be when the arrow dug into the listener's chest instead of his arm? It terrified the Prince to no end. Visions of Sîrion being struck down protecting him were growing in frequency, and no matter how much Legolas tried to shake it off, the fear remained, increasing as the minutes ticked away. He breathed in shakily, hand going up to fiddle with the newly put bead in his hair. It brought a bit of comfort, and he hoped the new relationship between him and Alda would mean they both would act less reckless in battle. Legolas knew he could get lost in the flow of what was right around him rather than what was approaching from afar. Perhaps with Sîrion on his mind more so than before (though the listener had weaselled his way into Legolas' mind much too easy in the beginning), it would mean he would be more aware in an effort to prevent the listener from needing to protect him. His chest tightened in worry. Only Valar knew what was in store for them... that had never scared Legolas before; if anything, it used to be comforting, but now he would've found a way to touch the stars if it meant Valar would guarantee Sîrion's survival. He was stirred from his darker thoughts.

"Legolas?" Sîrion's voice was low, soft and laced with sleep, "Why are you awake, da'assan?" (little arrow)

The Prince looked over to Sîrion, the listener wrapped in his cloak resting on his side, eyes peeking from under the hood.

"Da'assan?" He questioned, "I would not say I am little."

Legolas crossed his arms, stifling a smile as Sîrion attempted to sit up without unwrapping himself from his cocooned cloak. Both failed at their attempts, Legolas letting out a couple of small laughs as Sîrion sighed in defeat and his arms popped out of his cloak.

"Perhaps, but you are littler than me," Sîrion crawled over to sit beside Legolas, yawning once he had settled by his side, "Consider it endearing."

Scoffing, he rested his head against Sîrion's shoulder, "And if I do not?"

"Well, I suppose I will have to call you it more until you do," Legolas could hear the smirk on Sîrion's, "Now, why are you up at such an hour? The moon is much too high for you to be awake."

The Prince took Sîrion's hand, playing with it gently as he formulated an answer, "Fearful thoughts of the battle ahead seem to plague me."

It was rather vague compared to his more specific fear, but it would do.