In the Ruins//Legolas

Chapter 20; Joining a Roadtrip Against My Own Wishes

"Durion, please-" Gandalf stalked after him, leaving the newly formed fellowship blinking after them.

"No! You know I can't go!"

"That is not true-" The wizard begins and Durion halts to stop and turns to face him.

"No! I cannot fight anymore! I cannot go near Mordor as long as a Dark Lord resides there! I use one rune, Gandalf. One and Saruman and possibly even Sauron knows exactly where I am!"

"If you can't fight then why did this war bow come with you to Rivendell?" Gandalf raised his voice and leaned into one of the doors they passed. It was Elrond's study. From there, Gandalf lifted an achingly familiar bow. He remembered it was aimed at him just a few weeks prior.

"The arrows from this bow almost killed me. The arrows from this bow pinned me to a wall as a Ring Wraith carved my face open!" Durion's hand shook as he pointed at the mask covering the top half of his face.

"And it left the Ring Wraith and came with you to Rivendell. Its name is Azkâr. The Khuzdul inscriptions on it say: 'Narvi had me made for the ring-smith and for his loyal service. His arrows truly may they hit their mark.' This weapon belonged to Celebrimbor and, therefore, is rightfully yours to have and wield." Gandalf extended his hand with the bow and Durion took a step back.

"I don't want to wield it! I am no warrior, Gandalf, I am a thief. I cannot protect the hobbits, I couldn't even protect Thorin! The dwarf that gave me his trust and I betrayed him by stealing from him!" Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes as he shouted out the words he long held back. "I am a coward and a bad friend. No material for the fellowship." Gandalf looked at him sadly and took a breath to speak, but he was interrupted by a new voice.

"I disagree." Legolas spoke from behind the wizard. Gandalf let out a sigh of relief and stepped to the side, smiling at Legolas and leaving the two in the hallway alone.

"Alright, you probably think you can change my mind or something, right? Well, don't waste your breath. My runes are like a bloody beacon for the Nazgûl. That's the last thing the Fellowship needs. In fact, I should pose as a decoy. While you guys head Southeast, I should go North, use a few runes and get them off your tail." Durion shrugged, not letting the other elf have a room to speak.

"Absolutely not." Legolas raised his voice. "Do not throw your life away like that! Who knows what Sauron wants with you?"

"So what? You want me to exchange one suicide quest for another?"

"No. I want you to stay safely away from all the evil of this world. But as long as the One Ring exists, that safety does not. The safest place I can imagine you to be is right next to me."

"Legolas, 78 years ago you and your father wanted to kill me. That's not that long in the life of an elf."

"I know, and I will never forgive myself for it. I will let the nightmares haunt me to the dusk of days if that is what you wish. But please, please stay near me." Legolas pleaded and took one of Durion's hands in his. "Your strength lies in more than your runes, Durion. And if it proves not strong enough, I will protect you with my life." Legolas knelt in front of Durion.

"I cannot ask you to do that." Durion shook his head.

"You aren't asking." Legolas' bright blue eyes stared deep into Durion's black ones. Durion was the first to look away, his gaze slipping down to the bow leaning on the wall. He picked it up and tested its weight. Bright white light momentarily blinded both elves. As they finally blinked the spots from their eyes they saw Fehu. The rune for wealth, luck and material possessions.

Damn it. Thought Durion.

***

"The Ring-bearer is setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom. On you who travel with him, no oath nor bond is laid to go further than you will. Farewell. Hold to your purpose. May the blessing of Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you." Durion couldn't help but roll his eyes at Elrond's words. 'No oath or bond' he says...