Forgiveness Kiss: A Legolas and Aragorn Fanfic

The Welcome

 The whole way to Rivendell, Legolas thought about what he would say when he saw Aragorn again. Would he act friendly? Defensive? Would he pretend nothing had happened? He finally settled on Aloof. Cordial, but distant. He feared that once Aragorn approached him the Man would be able to read his feelings easily. Nevertheless, he rode on, and by the time he arrived at Rivendell he was confident he would be able to put on a performance that would fool even Aragorn. 

 Legolas rode into Rivendell's central courtyard. He dismounted his horse and looked around. Although it had been many years since his last visit to Imladris, nothing had changed. Legolas found comfort in the familiar surroundings. He stood there for several minutes before two more travellers arrived: a red-haired Man, Gondorian judging by the symbol on his shield, and a Dwarf. A Dwarf! Legolas detested Dwarves, a sentiment shared by most of his kin. Elrond was far more welcoming than many others would be. Legolas and the Dwarf glared at each other for a few moments. Things may have escalated further, but an Elf descended the sweeping staircase into the courtyard. Legolas recognized him immediately. He was Lindir, one of Elrond's minstrels. It was odd that he was greeting the guests, but perhaps he was the only one comfortable with being so hospitable to a Dwarf.

 "Welcome," Lindir said. "You all traveled quite far to get here, and you must be tired. Follow me and I will show each of you to your rooms." 

 The three followed Lindir up the stairs and into the heart of Rivendell.

                                                                                       ***

 Legolas finished getting settled in his room and sat on the bed, gazing out the window. He had felt relatively calm, but now that the Dwarf wasn't here to distract him the reality of his situation began to hit. His stomach was full of butterflies, and his head spun. He opened the window and took a deep breath. The cool, fresh air soothed him slightly, but he knew that he couldn't hide in his room all day. Sooner or later he would have to face Aragorn. Why not get it over with? 

 Legolas took one more deep breath and closed the window. He changed out of his travelling clothes and into a pale blue tunic. He rebraided his hair. He glanced around the room one last time, then left, closing the door behind him.