A friendly trip

14.

When they woke up they quickly got up and dressed. Knowing that Thranduil was up early they did not want to get caught snoozing.

Legolas approached his father at breakfast, bowing and asking for forgiveness.

Thranduil gave a small smile and nodded, accepting the apology. Though, his eyes immediately grew stern again, and he spoke. In a second the kind, caring father was gone and the King of Mirkwood stood before him again.

"I got a letter for Estel." He said coldly and handed it over. Legolas carefully took the letter and silently nodded his thank you. He walked over to give it to Aragorn who took it with a awkward smile, before he walked back to his father.

"Aragorn is banished." He said, not caring that the human stood a few feet away, reading the letter.

"Ada." Legolas tried, for what he did not know.

"No Legolas. He must leave now. Say your goodbye, I want him gone by nightfall."

Legolas eyes met Thranduil's, not afraid to let his father read what was to be read there. Disappointment, anger. Sorrow. Eventually he just gave up and nodded. He just left the halls, leaving a confused Aragorn behind.

He walked out to the waterfall he had showed to Aragorn before he stopped in front of it. The tears already slipped down his cheeks as he filled his hands with water from the fall, washing his face. He tried not to sob, wanting to keep his pride, and succeeded pretty well. He wrapped his arms around himself and sat down on his knees, crying. It felt good, releasing all the build up tension. But on the other side he embarrassed both himself and his father in front of many people in the dining hall.

Suddenly he felt a firm hand on his shoulder, but did not look up. If it was his father he could already hear the lecture. He felt a hand grab his chin and raise his head, and was surprised to find Aragorn's face in front of his own.

He parted his lips, but found no words to explain his humiliation. No was necessary as Aragorn sat down beside him, gently guiding him towards him.

Legolas leaned against him, his head on his shoulder. Aragorn's hand rose to gently comb through his hair, and Legolas sighed softly.

"What shall we do?" Legolas whispered softly, the tears in his throat.
"I can't go against my father."

Aragorn looked down at him, and sighed deeply.
"I don't know."

"What was it in the letter?" Legolas asked softly as he looked up at the man.

"It was from Elrond." Aragorn said with a sad smile.
"He apologised."

"Good." Legolas whispered and closed his eyes.

Aragorn leaned down to kiss his forehead gently when Legolas sighed and gently pushed him away. Meeting the man's gaze he saw surprise, and that action hurt Legolas beyond words.

"Estel...I can't lose my father." His voice was shaking, and came out almost raw.

Aragorn felt his heart miss a beat, and he felt the ace in his heart return.
"I know." He whispered again and moved to comb through Legolas hair. The elf sighed and took the man's hand to lower it.

"We can't."

Aragorn met his eyes, but quickly lowered them. Seeing Legolas hurt made his worse.