Moving On

Chapter 11

Legolas stood there looking out in the direction she walked and he wanted nothing more than to know what was going through her mind. They could all clearly see this entire situation with Gimli was troubling her. The hobbits were whispering amongst themselves. He didn't bother to pay attention to their chatter, not sure if he would really want to anyway. He could feel Aragorn's eyes on him and when Samantha finally went behind enough greenery he turned and looked at him.

Aragorn's eyes were telling, "She's a bit unstable, wouldn't you say?" He spoke in elvish, drawing a few curious stares from the hobbits but they went about their own conversation.

"She is not unstable, she has far too much on her mind for someone so young." He felt a little heat rise in his chest at Aragorn's words. It surprised him a little that he was agitated by it.

Aragorn stopped sharpening his blade and gave him his full attention. "You look at her like she is a woman, though your actions say she is a child. While her ability in combat is not much better than the hobbits I do expect her to have some composure. She put herself into this mess and she should be able to get herself out of it."

Legolas felt his jaw clench. He knew Aragorn was right, but when he thought back to when he found her in that clearing he knew she wasn't a normal woman. Perhaps in her homeland this was how people are. Much more open to sharing their emotions and even letting emotion drown out reason. He could only speculate of course, but it was clear to him that she needs help to navigate her emotions. He had already made a promise to himself that he would, now seemed like a good time.

"While it is hard for me to disagree with you, I still plan to help her as much as I can. I hope you respect that." Aragorn only nodded as he turned and started to walk in the direction Samantha had went. Hopefully she would be okay with talking. Perhaps he could ask her more about her homeland. He only knew what was mentioned in stories she told to the hobbits and ramblings to Boromir. Every time she told a story, he could see the longing in her sky blue eyes. It was easy for him to tell that she loved her home and wanted nothing more than to go back. Though she had never spoken of returning.

He walked slowly through the lush greenery, not wanting to startle her. He would never admit to anyone that he was only walking slowly so he could think of what to say. Helping others with their troubles was not a strong suite of his. Growing up he had few memories of his mother. She was loving and nurturing toward him of course. After she died though, he grew up on his own. His father became withdrawn and hardly had the time of day for Legolas. He would be lying if he said he wasn't upset by this, but it had just become another part of his life. His father was better now, but the past can never change.

Legolas came to a stream and looked down the banks, quickly spotting her. He walked closer and knelt beside her. She was huddled against the tree, arms and legs curled inward toward her chest. He could make out the tear streaks on her face. Legolas wanted to wake her but decided against it. It wasn't the best place for her to rest, but she was resting nonetheless.

He sat down and stared at her. He had not had such freedom to gaze upon her in the sunlight in so long. Their travels had certainly changed her in a few ways. In Rivendel she was full of attitude and was very confident in herself. The recent days brought with them troubles she had never seen before and she acted like she had been beaten down again and again. Quieter and more reserved. Physically he could see she had slimmed down. Her once chubby cheeks were gone and her high cheekbones were more prominent. While he quite liked the cute look she had, he admitted to himself that she looked more mature without the chubbiness to her cheeks. Her skin had more freckles form their time in the sun and he found himself quite liking the texture it gave her.