A One-Shot Collection: "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit"

Eight: Legolas

Eight: Legolas

The past few months have been rough to say the least. With the War of the Ring on the brink of the final battle, the anxiety has slowly escalated each day. There has been hardship to accompany our every step towards Mordor. First, Gandalf visibly died before our eyes. And though that accepted truth was soon overturned, it did nothing to save Boromir in the end. Then there was the kidnapping of Merry and Pippin, the Battle of Helm's Deep, and the Battle of Pelennor Fields, losing Theoden to that final victory. It has surely been a rough few months.

But at the same time, great things have come about...especially for me and Legolas. After an emotional turmoil at Aragorn's fall to the warg scouts, and his miraculous return to the light, we recognized our affinity for one another. The chance of death in the Battle of Helm's Deep was enough to evoke the truth from our hearts on the eve of that battle. And we've been together ever since.

Yet, "together" might not be the most appropriate word, seeing as we have rarely has time to talk alone. It's all I can do to keep my emotions in check as we ride to the Black Gate of Mordor, with my failing relationship hanging in the air. At least I got to hug the elf princeling before I die.

So here I am, mounted on a black Rohirrim horse as we ride to the front of Mordor. To my side, Gimli and Legolas ride Arod in a stark contrast of his coat to my pony's main. We appear so different, and yet, we're practically family. This is what journeys do to us.

"I'm sorry if this is our last moment together...we never truly had time to court," I remark on the whim of my mind, looking over at the Prince of Mirkwood. He turns his head in slight concern over my words, yet nods in agreement before turning away.

"It is not your fault, nor mine...but I do regret our horrendous timing," he responds, prompting me to laugh at that honest statement.

"Indeed, I don't think it could be much worse," I say through my giggles, ignoring Legolas's look of entrancement as I express my rare joy in this cold time. His blue eyes swim in the presence of my company, paying little mind to the dwarf holding his waist.

"Just kiss her already," Aragorn commands in a humoured tone as he rides by our trio. I look to him in question, wondering to what he is referring.

"Hmm?" I ask, looking between the man and the elf. For the first time ever, I notice a pink spot on each of Legolas's cheeks. If there was a time to squeal, it would be this moment. I embarrassed him.

"Kiss--it may just be your last chance. Who knows what we are riding into..." Aragorn commands again, sending Legolas a hard look before riding towards the front of our warrior column. Legolas looks at me as his head rises from the ground, prompting me to send him a shy smile.

"May I kiss you?" he asks, looking genuinely embarrassed by this dramatic departure from typical conversation.

"That's not how it's supposed to work," I quip in a slightly irritated growl. War messes everything up, even my first kiss. " You're supposed to be overcome with feelings and just embrace me in your love."

"But this is not a romance novella...this is war," Legolas remarks, lacking in the humour that is so rare for this time.

"All the more reason for it, though it may be awk--" I begin only to be cut off by a pair of lips on mine. Legolas's soft pink lips caress my own, pulling me into him and away from my own horse. He holds my jaw strictly in his hand, tilting my face so as to kiss me deeper. And though I am riding to my possible death, I do not believe I could be happier.

"What was that for?" I whisper as my eyes open once again and I am left staring at my lover.

"I was 'overcome with feelings,'" he responds, making fun of my previous words. Before I can utter another sound, Legolas is swooping in for a second kiss. But this is all for naught, as my horse rears up and gallops farther away from Arod. Both Legolas and myself laugh at this, as I direct my pony back towards his own. Leaning over once more, and hoping for victory, I am sadly interrupted by the red-haired Fellowship member.

"Can this wait? You're making me uncomfortable," Gimli growls out, alerting us of his presence very close to Legolas himself. I can only laugh at this, tilting my head skyward as the joy releases from my lungs. Today is a good day, I can just feel it.

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Sorry for such the long wait! I've been extraordinarily busy lately with college and extracurriculars. I'll try to post more often from now on, but I must remind you that my current piece Of Dwarves and Men takes priority over this book.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

xo

Patagonian