Queen Naehlara (LOTR, Legolas love story)

Chapter 8

The Fellowship is taking rest during the day against the Eregion Hills. On the rocky slopes, Boromir is training Pippin and Merry, again, Sam and Frodo by the fire while Sam cooks sausage for everyone to eat. Gimli sitting with Gandalf and Aragorn sat to the side watching Boromir and the Hobbits. Legolas sitting behind Naehlara braiding her hair again as it had started to fall out over the days traveling.

"Get away from the blade, Pippin. On your toes." Boromir instructs, Pippin and Merry having moved on from practicing stances to actually practicing fighting with the swords. "Good, very good. I want you to react, not think." Boromir explains. Naehlara and Legolas just listening to the sound of the swords hitting each other. Naehlara watching the area around them for any enemies, as Legolas focused on her hair. "Move your feet." Boromir instructs.

Naehlara looks over wanting to see Pippin's fighting, Legolas groans as she messes up the braid he was working on, quickly setting a hand on her head, he forces her to look forward. "You can't move or I'll mess up the braid." He states, a small smile on his face as he fixes and continues the braid. It was relaxing being in her presence, he couldn't understand why but he never wanted her to leave his side.

"If anyone were to ask for my opinion, which I note they have not," Gimli says, as he moves next to Gandalf who is smoking his pipe.

"And what is your opinion, Gimli?" Naehlara asks, not moving her head to look at him. But she could hear him grumble before talking to Gandalf again.

"I would say we are taking the long way round. Gandalf we can pass through the Mines of Moria. My cousin, Balin, would give us a royal welcome." Legolas tensed at the idea of going into Moria, he had heard that the dwarves left to reclaim Moria after reclaiming Erebor but he had never heard for the outcome. And the idea of being so far underground for many days to travel seemed sickening. No nature, no sunlight, just darkness and dwarves.

"No, Gimli. I would not take the road to Moria unless I had no other choice." Gandalf says, Naehlara could feel Legolas relax as he finishes off her braid.

"All done." He whispers, standing up and helping Naehlara up, both of them looking around the camp. They both tense as a quiet sound reached them. Soft beating of wings off in the distance.

"Ouch!" Pippin yells, Naehlara quickly looks over concerned for the hobbit.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't-" Boromir says coming over to Pippin, the hobbit throws his sword to the ground, kicking Boromir in the shin before jumping onto him. Merry following behind him and bring Boromir to the ground as the three break out laughing.

Naehlara's attention is drawn away from the group as Legolas grabs her hand, leading them past Gimli and Gandalf that watch them with curiosity as they look out into the distance. A dark cloud starting to take shape to the elves. Sam stood up noticing the weariness of the elves, looking into the sky he could only see clouds and one dark cloud that seemed to stand out against the rest.

"What is that?" He quietly questioned.

"Nothing. It's just a wisp of a cloud." Gimli says dismissively.

Boromir stands from the ground a hand on Pippin and Merry's shoulders as he worriedly looks towards the cloud. "It's moving fast, against the wind." He whispers, trying not to worry the hobbits.

To the elves the cloud is no longer a cloud but a flock of flying creatures, flying straight towards the fellowship. "Is that what I think it is?" Naehlara questions looking between the creatures flying towards them and Legolas.

Legolas' eye widen as he turns to the rest for the group, "Crebain from Dunland!" He yells.

"Hide!" Aragorn yells, helping Sam stamp out the fire.

"Merry, Pippin, Sam take cover!" Boromir yells, holding onto Merry and Pippin and pulling them under a bush with him. Sam and Frodo hiding under another. While Gimli, Gandalf, and Aragorn hide underneath rocks alcoves with bushes in front of them. Legolas grip around Naehlara's hand tightens as they move under a rock to the side of the campsite. Both sliding in, Naehlara pressing herself against the rock so Legolas has room to hide. Wrapping his arms around her waist to pull them close together.

His chest pressed against hers, heavily breathing as they look to each other. Her hands placed against his chest, feeling his racing heartbeat. It quiets for a moment, before loud screeching is heard. Naehlara quickly bringing her hands to cover her ears. Legolas whincing at the awful noise, bringing one hand from her waist, he presses her head against his chest to hopefully bring her some comfort.

The shadow of the Crebain causes the area to go dark. For a few minutes they flew above the campsite, watching waiting for any movement before flying away. No one moved form there hiding spot. Naehlara lifts her head from Legolas' chest, her cheeks tinted pink. Noticing a piece of hair had fallen out of his braid Naehlara brushed it back behind his ear. Slightly grazing the point of his ear causing him to tense against her. "Sorry." Naehlara whispered.

Legolas shook his head, not wanting her to be sorry. She understands how sensitive their ears can be and he knows she didn't do it on purpose. Moving his hands from around her waist, Legolas moves out from under the rock. Helping Naehlara up they look around the group as one by one they come out of hiding, looking towards Gandalf.

"Spies of Saruman. The passage south is being watched." Gandalf states, and Naehlara can't help but roll her eyes at his obvious statement. A smile breaks across Legolas' face seeing the Queen roll her eyes, she was so unlike the elves of this age it constantly amused him how she would act. Still being able to hear the creatures of Dunland they both turn to watch them fly away. As Gandalf looks towards the peak of the Mountain they are at the base of. "We must take the Pass of Caradhras!"

Naehlara and Legolas look towards the snow covered peak. Worry quickly settling within her, her and Legolas would not be affected by the cold or the snow. She worried for the others, they had not packed provisions for being in such weather, and the hobbits would surely struggle walking through the snow. They quickly packed up there camp and set out for the pass. Hoping to be gone by the time the Crebain circled back around the passage south.

A/N okay shorter chapter I know, I just didn't want to combine two parts especially when they are meant to be days apart because of how long it takes to travel up the mountain side. But I hope you enjoy!

Have a great day my loves!