NEW LEAF (Legolas FF) | ✔️

Chapter 13: Mountains

Turwaithiel's PoV

We rode quietly to Lothloríen, passing by the misty mountains. It seemed that Legolas did not like to take the path through Moria. It was a long journey, with me making sure that Bleon was alright and Legolas would not outdo himself. Winter was already here in its full force as we trudged through the snowy plains. We got caught in a blizzard that we had to stop for the horse could only take so much.

We stopped in what appeared to be a cave of some sort, big enough for three people to fit and a horse. I was growing worried for the boy and the fact that the snow showed no signs of letting up. I knew from Legolas' look that he shared the same concern and I was actually glad that Bleon had been nothing but an obedient boy. Yes, he was quiet and it was kind of difficult to really know what the boy felt but he did little things to help ease our burdens. He would start the fires, and feed the horse and keep it company. Without the horse, I would not have an idea how to keep the boy warm. I could only imagine the possibilities and that would include huddling up together with Legolas. Something I could not even try to do in a million years. I feel my cheeks burn at the thought. We had little to no conversations during our three days travel and he seemed pretty busy with his thoughts so I did not mind. I instead focused on anything but him. Which I can say, was pretty difficult seeing as he would not do anything without my consent. Which was pretty odd. It was like he was afraid of doing something I would not agree on.

I felt small arms on my shoulder and turned around to see Bleon's dark green eyes watching me. He seemed to be saying something and I hide the frustration I felt upon not understanding. How did Laralen even manage this? I felt the early pinprick of tears in my eyes at the thought of her. What has become of her now? What could have they possibly done to her? I never stopped praying that she was saved by some miracle. That she was alive somewhere and worrying about Bleon. It was a much better thought than thinking she was somewhere unreachable. She deserved nothing but a good life and I could not shake the thought that things would have been different if I had not met them. I pull Bleon into a hug, not really knowing what to do. I seemed to be correct on my presumption as he cuddled closer to me, his head resting just below my chin. He was pretty small for a boy his age. His hair had also gotten long. I wipe his dark curls away from his eyes as we sat near the fire. The horse seemed to not want to be left out as it moved towards us and rested just a few spaces away. I started to sing Elvish songs that my nursemaid used to sing to me. Bleon reacted well to them and I wondered if Laralen knew some Elvish songs. I sang until the only thing I could hear and feel was his steady breathing and the crackling fire. Even the horse seemed to have fallen asleep. I carry Bleon with ease as I moved him closer to the horse and drape a blanket over him. I stood and watched him for a moment before turning to the silhouette of the elf that stood near the entrance of the small cave. He had been awfully quiet and had been staring out at the wild snowstorm outside. I take one of the extra cloaks we had and brought it over to him.

He seemed surprised at first but eventually took it from me and wrapped it around himself. I hesitated before sitting beside him. I was dying for a bath and a change of clothes but I just could not find myself washing up in a stream knowing he was close. Not that we had any time to stop and take baths. I felt totally dirty in my torn clothes. I probably looked like I was dragged out of a trolls cave. Meanwhile, he seemed to have just gotten out of a bath. I unbraid my hair quietly beside him, running my fingers through the dirt and mud glazed strands. It was rough and tangled as my fingers pulled and brushed. I had not noticed him turning to face me as I battle with the untamable mane on my head.

"I would have never imagined I would actually see you in such a state," his voice surprised me as I turn to him, my hands still in my hair. I would have never wanted you to see me in such a state, I thought as I let out a sigh. Giving up on my hair entirely. He had a smile on his face which relieved me of my nervousness and I eventually returned the smile.