Dabbles In Ink: Lord Of The Rings One-Shots

To the Sea

Aragorn sat at his desk in his study as the sky darkened, glancing over some papers when one caught his eye. He opened it and began to read its contents.

My lord,

You asked me to keep you informed concerning Lord Legolas. He has left once again, saying he would return in a few days, only that was a week ago. His trips to the sea are becoming longer each time. I am not knowledgeable in the ways of Eldar, but I worry for him. I thought you ought to know.

Lord Faramir

Aragorn leaned back in his chair and released a sigh. 

At that moment, Arwen entered the room and frowned as she saw the distress on his face and came to stand beside him. "What troubles you? Has something gone wrong?"

Aragorn shook his head, "No." He handed the letter to his wife, "But Legolas has wandered off again. He has been gone for over a week."

Arwen frowned, "He is visiting the sea again isn't he?"

"Most likely. Part of me wishes he would sail. He is suffering here, whether he admits it or no."

()()()()()()()()

Meanwhile, while Aragorn and Arwen spoke, the elf in question sat by the ocean, oblivious to the worry he was causing. His eyes trained on the waves, watching as they rolled up the coast before folding onto the beach.

The seagulls' call danced in his head as they flew around him, as if begging the elf to come and play with them.

The elf was mesmerized.

Time escaped him as he idly raked lines through the soft white sand with his fingers before smoothing it out again. The wind blew at his braid-free hair, pushing it behind him and tangling it in a way that only the salt-filled wind can do. He breathed deeply, resting in the peaceful surrounding as the sun went down.

Slowly the stars came out, accompanied by the moon which glistened on the rippling water.

Hours passed, but the elf took no notice.

()()()()()()()()

"Perhaps you should go after him," Arwen suggested in a whisper to a restless Aragorn the next morning.

Aragorn sighed and looked up from his plate, "Are you sure you can handle things here for a while?"

She smiled at her husband, "Of course, the city is at peace. Legolas needs you more than we do right now."

He nodded. "I will leave in the morning then. I just hope he is where he normally is."

Sure enough, a few days later they found him, leaning against a rock, watching the waves. Aragorn approached cautiously, unsure of how the elf would react. "Legolas," he called softly as he knelt beside him. The elf made no move to show that he heard him though and Aragorn gently laid a hand on his shoulder.

Legolas turned at the touch and leaped back in surprise. "Aragorn," he said, but his voice came out harsh and he had to clear his throat before continuing. "What brings you to the sea?"

Aragorn smiled sadly, "You do, mellon nin. You had us worried. Again."

Legolas looked down in confusion, "But I have not been gone long, have I?"

"You left over a week ago Legolas."

"Oh," the elf responded, confusion still written on his face. He wondered how that much time could have passed without him realizing it.

Aragorn watched as his brother in all but blood gathered his thoughts. He seemed so different now than a few years ago. Legolas normally wouldn't have ever been caught being still for so long. It was like much of his energy and liveliness had left him, some days worse than others.

"Forgive me."

The elf's request took the man off guard. "For what?" He asked. The elf had done nothing wrong, why would he need forgiveness?

"For causing you to worry, it was not my intent. I seem to have no control over myself when I am here. It frightens me..."

Aragorn smiled sadly, "I know. But come, let us go." He helped the elf to his feet, holding him steady as his legs gave out momentarily from sitting for so long. "Some of my men have set up camp not far from here."

Legolas nodded partially in agreement and partially in thanks. Who knows how long he would have continued to sit there had Aragorn not come. The thought sent a shudder down his spine. His words to Aragorn held more truth than he cared to admit.

And he began to fear the thing he loved most.

Hi! Long time no see on these updates! Fun fact: I wrote this last summer at the beach and it has sat in my drafts because I wasn't sure I wanted to post it at all because there's not much to it. Hope you enjoyed it anyway! Let me know!