Of Elves and Humans

Chapter 6: Unanswered Questions

  Legolas strode out of the tavern and onto the dirt road towards the stables. He could feel the eyes of the villagers on his every move and when he glanced their way he saw that they had respect and awe in their eyes. He only nodded as he passed them. One was even daring enough to brush his sleeve, and he faintly heard her whisper a thank you. He stopped then, and when he turned it seemed everyone held their breath. Legolas saw it was an elderly woman who touched him and to his surprise, she took his hands in hers.

"Thank you," she whispered with a smile that brightened her aged complexion.

Legolas looked at her wrinkled face; He studied her eyes and saw kindness and wisdom. Her firm hold on his hand told him she was strong despite her old age. He thought of Talmara then. She too would one day be wrinkled; her strong body would fail her and the hazel color of her eyes would dim.

And a sharp ache arose in his heart at the thought. Why did he feel this way... He shook himself and gave a small smile then tilted his head. He raised the boney hand to his lips and placed a small kiss there. With one last smile, he turned and departed.

~*~
  Legolas walked up the steps leading to the stable entrance. He paid no mind to the gaping looks surrounding him as if they were tracing his every move.

  Pushing the door open, he was greeted by a young, scrawny, lad who too, stared at him with his mouth agape. For a moment there was silence, only a distant neigh from the outside.

"I've come for my horse," Legolas' voice held a hint of amusement.

  The stable hand quickly set aside the broom in his hand and dusted off his shaggy clothing. "Y-yes, this way, Master Elf," a flush crept up his cheeks. He had nearly made a fool out of himself in front of an elf!

  Legolas followed the stable hand into the stables. There were stalls on both sides of the dirt pathway littered with hay. The wide entrance some distance ahead provided plenty of fresh air and sunlight. The horses' heads shoot up at the newcomers, and they poked out their noses to try and nudge them as they passed. Legolas brushed his hand over their velvet muzzles, and the horses neighed in delight. Seeing all the horses, Legolas noticed Galidar's mare was nowhere in sight.