Legolas Imagines (LOTR/Hobbit)

Darkness Will Not Claim You (Pt 1/2)

A/N: Happy New Year everyone!! Since I am on college break until the 15th I thought I would start the new year off with an update. I need to say that I uploaded this chapter earlier in the series but then took it down within the hour because it didn't really fit. So if you have read this, I apologize and will be updating it hopefully next weekend. Thank you all for reading, favoriting, and adding this collection to your reading list! Chapter cover by: sketchbookuniverse (A big thank you to them for letting me use their art. I recommend checking it out if you like the work above.)

Summary: Imagine traveling through an accursed swampland with Legolas.

~LOTR~

"Remind me why we had to take a short cut again?" you asked pensively, ripping your feet free from sticky mud as you walked. You couldn't help but feel a little jealous as you watched Legolas's light form almost float over the mud. You'd think the bow, quiver, and knives, not to mention his pack; would make him too heavy to do so. But they apparently had little effect on the elf's weight.

Legolas answered without looking back at you. "Great speed is necessary if we are to reach the forest before nightfall, (Y/N)."

You laughed. "Great speed? I've been trudging through this mud like a slow fat pig for over an hour now!" you retorted. Your leg muscles were aching terribly, but you weren't going to be the one to ask for a break. This journey had started out quite pleasantly. The route Legolas had wanted to take was filled with sweet smelling flowers... at first anyway.  Regretfully, the terrain of flowers soon morphed into a stretch of sticky mud that went on for miles. The sun, that had been shining brightly an hour ago had also been buried by the dark billowing clouds overhead, so you were cold as well as muddy.

You were slightly startled when you saw Legolas suddenly walking beside you, and stopped. He was staring at you sympathetically and looked a little guilty, much to your immediate surprise.

"Forgive me for not noticing your struggles." He held out his hand to you. "Please allow me to assist you?"

You took a moment before taking his hand, nodding your thanks.  To refuse would be unacceptable and mean a later arrival time in Mirkwood. The king had summoned you both even though he was aware that you were far North hunting goblins that had been terrorizing a town. That very action meant urgent news needed your immediate attentions.

Legolas proceeded to move in front of you and then pulled you along behind him. 

Though you were glad you were finally moving at a fast pace, you couldn't help but feel a little incompetent in this situation. It was the incompetent feelings that were making you double guess your acceptance of Legolas's help every now and then as he pulled you through the mud.

Your senses went on alert as he stopped suddenly. "I see a clearing further ahead," he said.

You sighed in relief. Other than the occasional bush or tree there had been absolutely no vegetation of any kind since you entered the swampland, only mud- for miles on end. A clearing meant there was most likely dry ground; something you'd been desperately hoping for ever since you stepped foot in this dreary place. You endured being half-pulled along just a little longer.

Once you reached the clearing, you made your way to the closest tree and ungracefully lowered yourself down till you were sitting, stifling a groan as you did so. You took a moment to treasure the exquisite feeling a while longer, and then pulled out some lembas bread.  You were so focused on the taste of the bread and the amazing feeling that came with resting fatigued muscles, that you barely noticed that the elf had sat down beside you until he sucked in a breath loudly.

The action caused you to turned to him in concern, noting his tense posture. "Is all well, Legolas?"  He wasn't eating or drinking, only sitting silently.