Ithildin - Legolas x OC

Chapter 20: Aragorn

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I am avoiding Legolas.

Well, as much as I can whilst we both venture ahead of our large group to ensure safe passage to Helm's Deep.

After half a day of awkward silence as we scout ahead, I decide to hang back a bit, walking slightly ahead of Aragorn and Eowyn. I have noticed she's taken an interest in him, and innocent as it may be, I cannot help but feel protective of him and hope that my presence may remind him of my sister...of the love that awaits him at home.

"Where is she?" Eowyn asks softly. "The woman who gave you that jewel."

I turn my head slightly, but do not face them. Aragorn does not answer, and after almost a minute, Eowyn pushes,

"My Lord?"

Eventually, he says, "She is sailing to the Undying Lands, with all that is left of her kin." Eowyn does not reply.

I watch as Hama and Gamling gallop past us on their horses, then flit my eyes further ahead to where Legolas stands high on a peak. I try not to frown, thinking of the moment that passed between us yesterday, and what may have happened had Gimli not arrived.

I had not dared think that Legolas may have mutual feelings towards me, but after what Arwen told me and this time spent together; the looks and touches and...well, what happened yesterday...I dare to hope that maybe he does.

Legolas suddenly moves, and I pick up on some distressing sounds in the distance.

"Aragorn!" I shout, running off past the people ahead of me and up towards the rocks to the side.

I pull out a dagger and as I climb over the ridge and fling it, watching as it flies and hits the neck of a Warg running away from Legolas who attacks its rider. Aragorn appears beside me.

"A scout!" Legolas shouts up to us, kicking the Orc's body away from him after he slit its throat.

Aragorn runs back to Theoden whilst I continue down the slope, grabbing my dagger and moving to the plain beside us, scanning the area with hasty eyes.

"Warg, we're under attack!" Aragorn yells, followed by terrified shouts and screams of the Edoras townsfolk.

"All riders to the head of the column!" Theoden shouts from behind us.

Legolas tugs my arm as he passes me. "Come on."

I follow him further ahead, standing on a boulder overlooking the hills just as many, many Wargs charge over the ridge ahead of us. We share a look before scowling at the approaching enemy.

So many of them...and so many innocents behind us trying to get to safety.

Commotion stirs as the Rohan soldiers ride towards us from the back, and the Wargs charge straight for us.

And Legolas and I are caught in the middle.

He starts to fire his arrows, but I stand uselessly beside him, they are too far even for my daggers, and I wish now I truly had brought my bow with me.

"Amariel!" Aragorn calls.

I turn, spotting him riding beside the king. Running towards him as he leans down with his arm outstretched, I grab ahold of him as he comes past, jumping and swinging my body around and onto the back of our horse, my feet on its back as I stand atop him with a hand on Aragorn's shoulder to steady myself.

We charge ahead and I see Legolas grab the reigns of his and Gimli's horse, swinging his body around to sit on the saddle.

Show off.