Ithildin - Legolas x OC

Chapter 12: Gifts of the Galadhrim

~*~

After bathing and changing into clean clothes, I walk through Lorien to where the Fellowship has made camp, a table of food and water set out for us.

I pick up an apple as I pass—quickly realising I don't even want it. Sighing, I walk forward and look to the Hobbits who have made home under the canopy, lying with sorrowful expressions. Gimli looks to already be asleep as Aragorn sharpens his sword.

"Can I get you anything?" I ask softly, my eyes grazing over the four.

Sam is the one who shakes his head. "No, my Lady." I try to smile, yet it feels wrong.

A song fills the air; soft, lilting voices carrying around the wood. I look up, my eyes closing.

"A lament for Gandalf." Legolas says softly, approaching us.

"What do they say about him?" Merry asks.

"I have not the heart to tell you." He turns to us. "For me the grief is still too near."

I nod, understanding him. He catches my eye, but quickly looks away to fill up a water jug.

Turning with a heavy heart, I sit next to Pippin, allowing him to rest his head against my legs. I softly stroke the curls of his hair as he rests.

"Bet they don't mention his fireworks." Sam says as he prepares his bed, then turns and stands before us, saying proudly, "The finest rockets ever seen. They burst in stars of blue and green. Or after thunder, silver showers..." Aragorn hits Gimli when he snores. "...came falling like a...rain of flowers." Sam quickly sits down, mumbling, "Oh, that doesn't do them justice by a long road."

I smile faintly at him. "I think that was beautiful, Sam." He nods to me in thanks.

After a few minutes of quiet, Pippin asks me, "How did you know that Elf? Do you know them all here?"

Looking down at him I shake my head. "Not all, but many. This is a second home to me, though it has been many years since I have returned. And Haldir... I have known him all my life."

"He didn't want to let us pass." Frodo says, his eyes sad yet his voice wary. "What did you say to him?"

I look to Frodo as Legolas quietly approaches, standing against the nearby tree. I do not doubt that he heard every word between us.

"I reminded him of a promise he once made me, to always help when I need it. No matter what has happened between us."

Aragorn quietly says, "I hadn't realised he had such strong feelings for you." I look over at him as he watches me.

"You and him—" Merry begins, but I cut him off.

"No." I smile softly. "I care for him as a friend, nothing more."

"He, on the other hand..."

I sigh, "Must you, Aragorn? The past is the past. Let us leave it there."

He stops and nods once, apology in his eyes. I look to Legolas, who catches my eye but after a moment...looks away. Not quite as distressed as before, I notice, but still uneasy.

Gandalf, I remember. We have just lost Gandalf, that is all.

*

We spend a few days in Lorien, grieving for Gandalf and regaining our strength and will. Both of which we will be in dire need of for the remainder of our journey.

I watch from afar as Legolas speaks with a few Lorien soldiers, admiring their bows, and can't resist the small smile creeping onto my face.

"You have a beautiful home."