Wayfarer's

Chapter 6

Morning came slowly, or it seemed so. They couldn't really tell. Thick, swirling fog blanketed the forest like frosting on a cake, blocking out the sun while tendrils of its rays seemed to creep through. It was barely enough to see by at that, barely enough to live off of, casting a cold, grey light on the land. Very... depressing. The forest was silent as always, and nothing awoke to the dim light of the sun. Not anymore. Night and day were forever melded. Like an endless netherland.

Zaren sat slouched, in the round mouth of the cave, nervously fiddling around with the sapphire stones in his hands. This was their only hope, and they trusted him with it? This was their pride, their life, the only reason to carry on. Yet, everyone seemed all too happy to let him have it. It hardly seemed logical, and it definitely wasn't smart. Why couldn't an elf have become the leader? They had easily let him take charge, a human, who was in more ways, dumber than a elf who had lived centuries long than he. He only knew a fraction of what they knew about life. About the world. That's what he didn't quite understand. The stones would be safer in the hands of an elf, or someone of more nobility. Yet, he himself had taken them into his own hands without a second thought. And they had let him. They trusted him. They had easily handed them over. Why would they do such a thing? What could they possibly see in him that made them trust? Especially in this world. Suddenly, something touched his shoulder. He flinched.

"Zaren... Sir.... I think it best we go soon...." A dark haired boy said quietly, shifting anxiously from foot to foot. He was obviously nervous, and maybe a little uppity. Wait, very uppity.

"Aye, is it that time already?" He asked with a half hearted grin. The boy nodded wordlessly, and simply beckoned him on, shrugging. Rolling his eyes in exasperation, Zaren placed the crystals in his pocket, and stood with a soft grunt, bones stiffening from the cold. Breen watched his struggle, and automatically stepped forward. But, not wanting any assistance, Zaren swatted his hands roughly away, grunting in response.

"I don't need help... well, you'll understand when you get old." He rumbled indignantly, brushing past Breen with a soft huff. It wouldn't do for the boy to see the self doubt in his eyes. To see their leader doubting himself, to see him as weak. If they truly trusted him, then there had to be a reason. And he -even if he still didn't understand it, nor feel comfortable with it- would keep that appearance, no matter what happened. He had to stay strong. If not for himself, than for others. The people who needed to stay alive. Breen grinned in naivety.

"What's it like being ol-"

"I'm not that old! Shut it." Zarens snapped as he continued into the cave. The boy paused, briefly wondering how he should take that. Insult? Defensiveness? Anger? He wasn't quite sure. So, shrugging it off, the boy trailed happily after his leader. Back in their hide out, Legolas and Thranduil stood near the end of the cave, conversing quietly together.

"Please be safe..." Thranduil whispered, and he smiled nervously down at his son. His only son.

"I'll be fine Ada, trust me. This goodbye might be painful.... But it isn't the end..... I know in my heart we will meet again, in this life or the next." The young prince smiled and ran a hand through his hair, wincing when he felt his eyes water. But he ignored it. Standing stiffly, Thranduil let out a forced, short laugh, and shook his blonde head. A bitter action. Why did it have to come to this? Why did the world have to fall so far? Why did he have to lose his son? His only, precious son. Brushing back what might have been tears, he gently kissed Legolas' head. The most precious gift ever given to him. The only reminder of his wife, his wonderful, beautiful wife. And now it seemed, he would lose Legolas too.

"I didn't know you were so wise, ion nin. Life is a balance of holding on, and letting go. And it's never easy. That's my wise words for you, my son." The King straightened in pride as he looked at the smaller elf before him. "I love you, Legolas. Never forget that. " At the entrance, Shay barreled in, yelling and trying his best to get everyone moving. Legolas scowled.