Of Elves and Humans

Chapter 8: Until then

  Legolas awoke the next morning to a sinking feeling in his gut. Today they would leave this place, he would leave her. Sitting up, he sighed and brushed a stray lock of hair from his eyes. The once comfortable bed now felt like rocks underneath him, and he groaned. His feet touched the cold wooden floors, and he strode over to the window. Soft rays of sunlight peeked through, and he realized it was past sunrise. Pushing back the curtain, a brilliant beam of light shone through and embraced him, but he felt no comfort. No warmth filled him.

  A groan of protest made him turn his head.

 Galidar had brought his quilt over his face to block out the light. "Legolas, kindly close that," he said, his voice muffled. "What is the time?"

"Past sunrise, Galidar," came the stiff reply.

Frowning at his friend's tone of voice, Galidar lowered the blanket and observed Legolas. He just stood there, his eyes unfocused on the world around him, and Galidar nodded in understanding. "You saw her then?"

Legolas let out a breath and nodded. No words passed his lips.

"You love her..."

Legolas dropped his gaze to the floor, apparently interested in the pattern of the wood.

"Do you, Legolas?" Galidar pressed farther.
  Legolas clenched his jaw and continued to stare at the floor. "Yes." His own questions and doubts were answered. He did love her.

Galidar didn't know whether to smile or sob. He had seen so much with Legolas but never had he seen him in love with someone else. A human at that... Eventually, she would die, and he could do nothing but watch as Legolas slowly faded beyond reach. A rush of anger swept over him. "You cannot stay here."

"You think I do not know that?" Legolas shot him a glare.

Galidar threw back the covers and ran a and through his chestnut hair. "Forgive me."

Legolas turned to his friend, his eyes blank and emotionless. "You needn't worry. It is not my time to leave Middle Earth, I have promised Aragorn that."

Great, the other human he has bond himself to, Galidar thought to himself, but his face betrayed him, and Legolas raised a brow.

"You do not approve?"

 Galidar untangled himself from his bed, kicking away the quilt like it was an orc carcass. He strode over to Legolas and stood facing his friend. "It is not that I don't approve, Legolas--" his hand went to his shoulder--"I don't want to see you hurt."

  A flicker of emotion sweep past Legolas' eyes and Galidar smiled. "You're a good friend, Galidar." He turned away and began to rummage through his pack.
                 
                                  ~~~*~~~
  Both elves dressed in their travel gear, Legolas in his green and brown and Galidar silver and blue. Their weapons fastened securely on their backs and long swords attached to their hips. Legolas had braided the sides of his hair and pulled them into a single high plait that cascaded down his back and brushed his powerful tighs. Galidar had his braided in the usual elven style and left it down to reach past his shoulders.