Feä Bond (Legolas x OC)

To Caras Galadhon

They walked for a while, led swiftly by the elves of the golden wood. The guards gave them instructions, and light touches if need be. But the ground was soft and even, and the smells enchanted their senses. There was a little dampness from the moss, and the strong scent of humus as scattered leaves crushed under their feet.

Frances was relieved that her silent companion made no attempt to keep a conversation for she was not in the mood. After what felt hours, she recognized a familiar smell of pinewood. Although his feet produced no sound, she knew that Legolas Greenleaf had fallen into step beside her. For a while he said nothing. Was he cross with her? He had every right to be. She had insulted him, and refrained to insult his father as well in the process. But in the end she could not take the silence anymore and asked:

- "Master Greenleaf, what brings you to my side?"

Although his eyes could not see, the elf had no difficulties walking around. The trees talked to him, preventing him from taking any wrong step. But the lady beside him did not share his talents; how did she know it was him? His inner musings were soon interrupted by the need to provide an answer. There were many things on his mind, like how the forest was radiating more and more the closer they got from Caras Galadhon, or how peaceful it became as they progressed deeper. But most of all, there was this rebuke on his mind, this silent judgment that she had thrown at them in her wrath. And truth be told, he had to admit that a part of it was right. The grudge he held against dwarves did not truly belong to him, it was passed along by his people. Wasn't it natural to mock their clumsiness and rudeness ?

- "I gave a lot of thought to what you said earlier", he started.

- "Oh, about that, I'm really sorry I yelled at you"

Now she felt bad. Her lack of diplomacy had really affected the company. But his smooth voice did not bring disapproval as he continued.

- "It is true that our people do not get along dwarrowmen. It was not so long ago, from an elven perspective, that Thorin Oakenshield insulted my father and thrashed his halls".

- "I remember that. I have been told of this tale, and Bilbo filled in the gaps. Far from me the idea to discuss this conflict, but from what I heard this was quite a consequence of a previous dislike..."

Legolas sighed. She was accusing no one, and yet he knew that his father had been at least discourteous. This strain in the relationship had started so long before he was born.

- "What about your people? Do the all get along well regardless of origins?"

Frances barked a derisive laugh; it wasn't merry at all and the elf frowned. She did that very often, saying something when her tone and posture said another. It could be disconcerting. Little did he know which kind of images he had called forth in the lady's mind. Frances recalled her history classes, the holocaust, second world war, the religion massacres and the day to day racism, the conditions of black people in the States only fifty years ago, all those countries were people were being hunted, discriminated and exterminated. But in the end, her answer was sincere.

- "No. We have stupid people too... I mean... not that I consider that you act foolishly... Crap, I'm sorry... it gets out all wrong"

Flustered, Frances tripped. Two hands came up at once to steady her, their grips strong but so different. One of them was cold and distant, the other warm and caressing.

- "Do not be upset my lady, and please enlighten me with the story of your people."

- "Very well, there was a war fifty years ago, and a lot of harm was done. So much that the earth would have bled out of sorrow..."