The Crosses Enigma

The pace hastened the very next morning.

The dawn came hidden behind dark, stormy clouds that seem to stretch on forever from horizon to horizon. The winds had picked up slightly and on a small hill in the distance Legolas stood, his head turning and taking in all his eyes could see.

His head tilted sharply, his eyes following a stray bird and Aragorn was once again reminded of a cat on the hunt. Legolas could often be of a very serious mind, not speaking for hours or even days save for answering a question posed to him.
He let his deathly precise actions speak louder than his words.

Yet he seemed especially quiet this day.

Aragorn sighed, at least it served a purpose for the prince to be so tense. Nothing would easily pass his attention.
But the Ranger turned King doubt it was of looming danger and fluttering birds that had his friends attentions today.

"Do you sense anything of ill intention Legolas" Gimli asked coming closer as he slipped is axe into his belt.
His strong thick fingers adjusting the weapon as it slipped a bit forward.

"Nay, nothing" He stepped lightly from the rocky hill and passed the dwarf, whistling softly for Arod.
And Aragorn watched the interaction as Gimli stomped after him, Legolas definitely was acting out of character as of late.

It worried him, for changes of temperament in the Sindarin Prince were not to be taken lightly.

But even though the reasons were not spoken, Aragorn knew them clearly in his heart.
He turned his mind away from that, it was difficult to think about.

Aragorn turned away to check Roheryn. He would be carrying two today.
He tugged gently on the horses Girth once more and pat him on the neck, speaking soft Elven words to the steed.
Putting his hand vertically between the withers and the pommel, he then slipped two fingers between the brow-band of the animal�s bridal. He was now satisfied that all was proper in its fitting.

Looking over at Gandalf , who was adjusting his grey cloak over his shoulders nodded to Aragorn, signifying that he was ready to depart.






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Legolas picked up on every sound, smell and sight his keen Elven senses could.
Anything to keep his mind away from treacherous thoughts.

He knew the positions of each of the Fellowship, as he could discern there unique foot falls easily without looking. There footsteps were as unique to them as were the fingerprints upon a humans finger.

To his right he could feel Aragorn watching him, and he made no effort to show he knew this. The prince was not in a light mood and did not wish to indulge in any of the man's humors, especially pertaining to the events of the previous night.

Legolas did not like being caught unawares.
And last night had been a prime example of his waning attentions. His mind seemed to be everywhere but where it should be as of late.

Perhaps it was the fact that he had much on his pallet.
A new Elven land to see to was not exactly an easy task. Ithilien was beautiful already, but far from perfect.
He and his fellow woodland elves were working hard to get to a stable position in its progress. They were actually moving forward quicker than he had originally planned.

The shadow from Mordor had been great, but the roots ran deep and things were changing.

The Elves loved the challenge, and made it there home readily.
Change had been so rare in there lives as of late, they had neither changed there surroundings than they had changed themselves.

Many of the Mirkwood elves found themselves more than eager to follow there Beloved Prince to the new unknown regions, to which they had never seen before.
And it had been worth it.

Leaving his fathers court had been difficult as well. The king had already lost two sons, including the Crown prince, to mysterious circumstances.

For Legolas to leave as well had not made him please in the least. Legolas knew quite well that Thranduil did not agree with his friendships, he down right was against it.

But Legolas had found a dear friend in Gimli, despite the odd pair they made.

He would die for the Dwarf, as strange as it sounded. He loved Gimli, as one would love a brother...or perhaps an uncle.

Funny how he was Gimli�s Elder by several hundred years, though he was the youngest Elf of his day...and considered the fairest Male, Gimli treated him as the younger.

Somehow it worked.


Legolas shook his head, his thoughts were drifting again.

And in this, Legolas lack in concentration had begun to become more obvious, and he knew Aragorn could tell. This was, he knew, what was vexing him so.
He did not wish anyone to know he had such lacks in concentration.

He was a prince for Valar's sake, princes from his home did not just slip into daydreams so easily as he could now.

//Princes from your home have not encountered the smothering call of the sea// Legolas closed his eyes momentarily and let a wind sweep his hair away from his shoulders, playing with the feathered tips of his arrows sitting in his quiver.

He fancied that he could almost smell its sweet salty scent in the air. It was folly he knew, the sea was far to distant for that...

His daydreaming took him far from that small glade, so much he did not hear the footsteps of Gimli behind him, "Do you sense anything of ill intention Legolas"

Legolas eyes shot open, and he was grateful for the fact that his back had been turned. Lest the Dwarf interpret his afflictions.





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Gimli watch Legolas back, his shoulders were relaxed as the wind played with his golden locks.
The Elf had not moved for many moments, and things such as a stray bird that would have triggered his sharp senses, went unheeded.

Gimli sighed, this did not bode well. They were but days into there journey and already Legolas seemed to drift. He called out to his friend, but only after a long moment contemplating what he wish to say. Lest he were to obvious and the Elf see right through the diversion tactics.

He called his question clear, "Do you sense anything of Ill intention Legolas?". It had been simple enough, and the elf tensed.

Gimli almost sigh again, the Elf had been indeed far away.

//Most likely thinking of the blasted sea// Gimli thought bitterly, he could not comprehend how a body of water could make him so angry and yet so scared all at once.

It was but a moment that Legolas stood with his back to him before he answered, his tone a bit sharp.
"Nay, nothing" was all Legolas said, and stepped down and past him.
Gimli frowned, watching him go to collect Arod and sighed out loud. This would not be a pleasant ride, and he hoped that the young lad would be spared a strong bout of the Aerpaw.

//Wither does your mind go dearest fool?// he thought somberly, watching the retreating back of his friend. So ancient and yet so young in many ways.

The Dwarf finally began to follow the archer, his own thoughts drifting.







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Gandalf turned to the young girl who was now known as his apprentice.

It had of course been a ruse, a title given for her protection. For if she was under his apprenticeship and care, no one could claim guardianship.

Gandalf knew her story, he knew of her past. Or at least as much as she had remembered. And he knew her secrets.

But what he hadn't counted on was the fact that she actually was capable of learning the magic.
He had discovered the first night that she in fact a quick learner. Elrond must have sensed this in her, as he was the one who suggested the possibility.
How he had not seen it himself, only Eru knew.

So now it became more than a simple title for her protection, as he find himself teaching her more as the days passed. She was upright tenacious in her hunger for knowledge. Committed to her second chance like the promise of sweet merciful air when one were engulfed by the unforgiving sea.

It was an admirable quality, and despite the obvious, he find himself considering staying for a while longer to instruct her to her full potential.

//If I leave her partially instructed, she could become but a poisoned dragon. Powerful and dangerous without guidance.// he thought. His thoughts seemed to have taken sides in the debate, and he suddenly found the side that wished to stay longer...winning.


It was a tempting thought that he was beginning to seriously consider. She was no Maia, but she was the second best thing.

"Ready little one?" he asked patting Shadowfax's bare back, the horse stood perfectly still as she nodded and moved up to his side.
Gandalf mounted in one swift motion, offering his hand and pulling the girl up behind him.

It was beginning to become habit, and the Mera's was more than happy to carry both.
The girl was very slight and petite, to him she felt no more than the caressing wind of his home plains of Rohan.

In fact, Gandalf thought that Shadowfax was showing off a bit. Carrying his head high and riding as if he had no one upon his back at all.
It was almost as if the white steed intended to hail to anyone who would heed the message:
'Yes look upon me. For I AM King of horses. Strong, am I not?'.

Gandalf shook his head and lean in, one hand on either side of the steed�s sleek white neck. "Keep showing off like that and you may hurt yourself oh' lord of Equines" he murmured, and Shadowfax placed his ears against his head.

//Me? Hurt myself? Never!// He stomped one royal hoof and turned, choosing to ignore the wizards obvious ignorance. His head once again went high and his dark nostrils flare.
If it had not been for the little one upon his back as well, he would have shown the old crow just how capable he was.

Gandalf chuckled and straighten back up as everyone mounted.

Beside him Aragorn offered Greer a hand up, she took it with an indignant scowl and sat easy behind him. Gandalf knew half the reason he had offered her the ride was to keep an eye on her.
Aragorn shook his head exasperated and Greer kept scowling.

//I should have not sold Briar// she thought with a sigh, suddenly regretting the lack of her pack animal she had relinquished a while back.

Legolas and Gimli were already securely upon Arod, and he noted Legolas was still in a foul mood. Gimli seemed to have caught some of this mood as he was now frowning.

And the Hobbits were last to mount, Merry upon his grey pony Strider and Pippin upon a brown mare named Potato. Her ears swiveled round and she chew her bit nervously, she was not used to so much activity. Gandalf resisted the strong urge to roll his eyes, leave it to a Took to name his mount after a vegetable.

With all in ready; packs packed, camp unmade, and riders in wait, Gandalf nod his head and all turned towards the path.

Gandalf shook his head as they moved away at a trot for the southern end of the Misty Mountains, and thought mutely. //This shall be a long Journey//







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For once in there life, they were on time.

Reaching the southern edge of the Misty mountains in due time as he had planned. Rare was it when any plan of any importance went accordingly these days.
Yet they had accomplished it somehow, and Gandalf was now managing not to yell in frustration.

They were at it again.



"Read my Lips Gypsy..."

"Oh, you know of Reading. I am surprised" Tempest interrupted, causing Greer's eyes to squint dangerously at her. There already deep cobalt color going even darker with her anger.

Before her Tempest stood, a bowl of crushed herbs still in hand.

As if to echo his own thoughts, he heard Aragorn sigh deeply. He sent a sidelong look towards the King. The continued bickering fading a bit the tip of his pipe.

"They are getting better do you not think?" he asked the Lord of Gondor casually. Aragorn turned a 'are you senile' look upon him causing him to chuckle softly.

"Nay Strider..." he stressed the Kings former Ranger name, as he almost called him Aragorn. It had been a silent knowing upon all those who had been in the Fellowship that he was now to be known as Strider, and not Aragorn.

Only Tempest and Greer were yet unaware of his identity, and it was best to let it stay as such.
For now.

"What I mean to say is, they are becoming more skilled in the art of trying each others nerves" he lowered his bearded chin in an amused grin.

Aragorn rolled his eyes and put the tip of his own pipe to his lips, taking a deep breath in, filling his lungs with the sweet pip-weed.
Then letting it out into an almost perfect puff, and watching that puff be carried away by the winds.

"Yes, they are almost as skillful as a certain Dwarf and certain Elf were when they first met" he tweaked his eyebrows upwards slightly at the inclination. This time it was Gandalf�s turn to chuckle.

The thought was interrupted as the sound of the bowl clattered to the ground and a yell filled the air. In the distance Shadowfax's head bolt up, ears pricking forward to the disturbance.


Both King of Gondor and head of the Wizards order groaned at the same time and stood, putting there pipes aside quickly.

Because he and Gandalf were closer, Aragorn was the first to reach the scuffling females. Moving behind her, going under the guise of Strider the Ranger, Aragorn securely gripped Greer round her thin middle and lift her clear from the ground.

The woman did not make it easy, using some hidden strength that shocked him. She pushed her hands against his restraining arms, ready to complete her task of effectively strangling the little Gypsy. Her bottom lip glistening with blood from the breaking of the delicate skin.



On the other hand, Legolas though farther away, was quicker and reach the struggling two only a second after Aragorn.

Lifting Tempest slightly off her feet and swiftly but gently putting his body between the two. Holding her firmly in his arms, he basically towered over her slight frame. She only seemed as if she would struggle, but her tugs were half hearted as she got a look back at the Thief. Aragorn could see the stream of blood from her nose.
It did not seem broken, but enough for him to want to keep an eye on her for the rest of the eve.

Even with the struggling woman in his grasp, Aragorn could easily catch the scathing glare Legolas sent to Greer.
It was often enough to wither Aragorn and Faramir and Eomer, at once!
And most likely all their forces as well.
But it only seemed to make the thief stand almost straight and stare back in challenge.

"I will release you now my lady, are you through?" he asked with amusement edging his words. She roughly shrugged away from him, straightening her tunic, her hand quickly reaching for her hair.
Both hands flattening down the red tendrils surrounding her head, and then wiping her mouth cleaning it in one move.

Aragorn rolled his eyes and shook his head as she moved clear across the other side of the encampment, pass Gimli.
//Even in the eye of her angry fury, she worries about her hair.// He noted he would never understand the Female, of any species.


"Calm down lass" Gimli murmured quietly to her and continued to smoke his pipe once more. It seemed he was the only one who could offer anything close to a command without receiving an indignant or annoy glare from the woman.

The Dwarf watch her for another second to make sure she had indeed calm down.

//Fire: 4 Water: 2// the young Gypsy was still far behind, though the bouts were getting more and more interesting thought Gimli. He bit the tip of his pipe to keep from laughing.


His mirth was rewarded with a reprimanding glare from Legolas, sending him a 'you are not helping Dwarf' look. In return Legolas received a look strangely akin to a silent spoken 'do not start Elf'. Both took a deep breath at the same time and it seemed they eerily mirrored each other.
Then Legolas turned away, watching Tempest as she reclaim her bowl and. return the herbs to it.

He removed the bowl from her hands and sat her down in her sleeping spot, then rummaging though the small attached pouch off of Aragorn�s pack; he found what he was looking for. He turned and began to clean her nose, being careful as she winced when he first touched her.

"Set water to boil Pippin if you might" Aragorn requested and his 'royal messenger' hopped to his big hairy feet, instantly happy to have something to accomplish that might break the tense silence.

It had not passed Aragorn how very different the two had acted. It was almost as if, as if they had grown up so much more. They asked fewer questions, and had managed to get into no trouble what-so-ever. In fact it had been up to both of the younger women in the group who caused the disturbances now.

"Ill get some tea" Merry offered, and Aragorn nodded thankfully at the blonde Hobbit. He seemed more mature than ever. Aragorn had always had a special liking for Merry, it was he whom thought of all the Hobbit's Merry was mostly suited to the tasks of the Fellowship that left Rivendell to destroy the Ring.
Pippin seemed to be a sort of comic relief, but as his messenger he knew that this young Hobbit was nothing of the sort.
He was caring and sensitive and empathetic to others. Aragorn concluded his previous blunderings, though partial from his constant lighthearted presence, was mostly due to his young age.
The events of the year past brought years to there soul, though under troubled circumstances.
Now he had matured very much, and both never ceased to impress him.

Aragorn glanced in Greer's direction. And started, finding her watching him.
She blinked just as quickly and glanced away, and began searching through her pack which was leaning against a tree trunk.

She seemed well, and that calmed his nerves a bit as he turned away.

"Tell me Master Brandybuck" Gimli started, his gaze going from Aragorn to the Hobbit. "How fares Master Samwise and Frodo?" the question was innocent enough and Aragorn was grateful, Gimli understood the tension within the camp.


Merry put his hands momentarily in his vest pocket.
"Mr. Frodo is well enough most of the time, but, there are moments when...he�s not, feeling his best." Merry admit. Pippin glanced at him with a knowing look.
None who knew of what had occurred to the handsome, dark haired, robins-egg blue eyed Hobbit needed to know why he would not be 'feeling his best'.
Gandalf least of all, who nodded silently.

"He sends his best though, and sends greetings to the Lady Arwen and Lord Faramir" Pippin said, making the air lighter with the comment.

"Then they shall get these greetings the moment I return to Minas Tirth."
Everyone fell silent again, knowing that before that happened...a few of there most beloved friends would be leaving for Valinor. Forever.

Aragorn did not wish to think of this, he willed his thoughts elsewhere.

"And of Sam?" he asked casually.

Merry smiled cheekily at him "Sam? He's better than ever." he winked and Pippin turned from attending the water.
"Oh yes, he and his Rosie couldn't be happier" Pippin finished with his 'matter of fact' comment.
Aragorn chuckled along with Gimli this time.

"It is well to hear that they are happy." Aragorn looked to Gandalf, and the Wizards eyes were twinkling with something unspoken.

'What' he mouth to the Wizard, only to be rewarded with a low chuckle from the Istar.
"What?" he asked lightly, humored by the light mood of his old friend?

He looked back to the Hobbits who were also smiling at each other in something shared, and Aragorn had to look to Gimli to confirm he wasn't the only one who was at a loss.
The Dwarfs eyebrows rose in question and furrowed, suddenly wishing to know also.

Legolas watched just as curious, Tempest noise taken care of, yet he did not seem ready to move from her side. Despite the look he had received from both Aragorn and Gimli.

"Come now Master Hobbit, it is not kind to keep us waiting" Gimli said, his curiosity finally taking over.

"Well, see Gimli, Sam wanted to come no doubt about that." Merry started with a hidden smirk, he looked to Pippin to help.

"Right, he wished to see the Elves again and of course you and Gimli and Legolas and the whole lot. But he dare not leave now." Pippin again offered the information in his heavy accent, as if he were reading it from a text. He then managed a glance sneakily at Merry and both Hobbits were hiding grins now.
"It is just" Merry shrugged and opened his mouth but Pippin easily cut him off. "Rosie and He are expecting!" the young Took exclaimed with unabashed mirth.

Almost the whole camp erupted into joyful laughter, even Legolas chuckled.
The two girls were pretty much at a loss and shrugged, though Tempest smiled and Greer smirked.

"Well that is splendid news" Gimli said after his laughter had subsided. Those Halflings could be so very amusing at times, with there off beat humor.

"Yes it is and Arwen shall be overjoyed." Aragorn commented and Legolas nodded firmly to Pippin with a smile upon his own face.

"You will have to send best wishes to them" Legolas stated, re-wrapping cloth he had torn a piece off to clean tempest injury. Her nose had been bruised but did not swell and was only very tender. The bleeding had ceased and that was good. But her slight admittance to being slightly dizzy did not sit well with him.

He stuck close to her, and would do so the rest of the night. He cared not for at the moment for Aragorn accusation that he had, what was the term? 'Oggled', the girl. She was but that, a young and lovely child. It was not unlike an Elf to admire something beautiful, closely.
That is all he had done.

The idea that he had been 'ogling' her, he shook his head at such a crude word, was outrageous and made him laugh dryly at Aragorn�s assumption.

He rolled his eyes and pushed away such a thought from his brain, concentrating on repacking the supplies.
Yet his mind stubbornly drifted to the comment by Aragorn, and there conversation the eve before.







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-The previous night...-










"I think that Mithrandir would not be pleased that you were Ogling his young apprentice Legolas. I know you do not receive much contact with the female of the species..."

Aragorn had basically been laughing through his comment. The humor totally running his attempt to be stern, hands upon hips in a serious bodily gesture.
In return the scathing look the Elf prince was sending him was not doing anything to ease the Kings mirth.

"...and what species do you speak off" Legolas murmured with dry sarcasm, noting the fact that he was Elf and Tempest was human.
Aragorn shrugged at the implication and Legolas almost groaned aloud. How could he forget, such things did not matter to the Human who was wed to the most beautiful Elven woman of her time.

The fairest Elven male of his time, was not humored by the stifled snickers of his supposedly oldest and dearest friend next to Gimli. He raised one perfect dark eyebrow, pressing his supple lips together into a line.

"I jest Legolas, though I do worry. I saw the way you looked at her" he was still enjoying his jest and it was clear not ready to relent.

"I simply stated the fact that her eyes were quite blue, and admired them for that. I believe that people of her lineage do not usually have eyes of such a hue. Am I not correct? There is nothing wrong in that" Legolas stated sharply, chin raised and body rigid.

Aragorn shivered slightly and regarded his friend with a raised eyebrow of his own. How Legolas Thranduilion managed to turn into Thranduil Oropherion in a moments notice, Aragorn knew not.

The Elf prince did resemble his father after-all. Light blonde hair, sky blue eyes and fair skin. His dark brows and facial expressions were also inherited from his father.
//as well as his Superiority complex// Aragorn note as well.


Though Legolas did remind him of Thranduil from the few times he had been in the presence of the Elven King, yet from what he had been told Legolas Eldest brother Mithisil had been almost an exact copy of the King.

As the two eldest sons of Thranduil had vanished years ago, Aragorn did not bring up this conclusion to Legolas, he wished to be humorous. He did not wish to drudge up old wounds.

"Very well then Lord of Ithilien, I believe you" he said most unconvincingly, with the amused grin still plastered to his handsome bearded face.

Legolas rolled his eyes, "...forn Estel, a im naris o Gondor" he muttered sarcastically.

Aragorn bowed low, humor in every tether of his being. "Your highness" he said with a wink. Legolas rolled his eyes once more and stalked off, muttering a very unpleasant Dwarvish curse.

Behind him the resonating sound of Aragorn chuckle could be heard. Even as he moved away back to camp he could not help three things.

Firstly, he wondered if he managed to hide the body well enough he might slip far away from the Gondor forces.
Aragorn definitely had it coming tonight, and as if in answer Aragorn�s laughter seemed to get louder. Legolas grit is teeth, damn King would get his way...tonight.

Second, a smile threatening to break upon his fair face. Like the first light after a terrible storm that sapped all life from fair lands. Aragorn�s light manner did amuse Legolas in the worst way.

And the third, he could not help but feel stung by Aragorn�s comment.
Yet he knew not why.






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Legolas thoughts quietly drifted back to the present.

All was settled round him and a warm fire was going in the center of the camp.

There were no arguments, no disagreements besides the soft muttering between Merry and Pippin.

'I'm tellin yah Pip, Greer's got the upper hand. She's taller, stronger and older. She's a thief at that and can fight for her part. "

"I have to disagree" Pippin said, managing to pull of his attempt at coming across as intellectual. Merry only thought he was coming across as daft.


"Tempest is small so that makes her quick, and she IS Gandalf�s apprentice. He won't let anything serious happen to her, and then there is Legolas..." Pip trailed tapping his cheek. Merry couldn't help but rub his chiseled chin and nod slightly.

Both Hobbits took in the Elf lord, and two women.
"You know something Pip" Merry said looking to his best friend.
"I think you might be on to something..."






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Legolas took notice of his surroundings.


Gimli sat in the same spot, smoking contently upon is pipe and Aragorn had settled into his own spot as had the remaining members who were still awake.

Gandalf currently was not. The Maia made a soft sound that alerted to the Elf he was in light slumber.

Turning his head behind him to where Tempest was lying, he watch her for several moments before he confirmed her own sleep. It was quiet enough and though he wondered with her earlier dizziness if she should be sleeping so soon, he was content that she seemed well enough. Aragorn would have stated other wise if he did not feel she was well enough.

Turning is face back to the man he squinted his eyes slightly at him, Aragorn was watching him with a Grin.

Again Legolas eyebrow rise questioningly.

The King was giving a most peculiar look that the Elf could not pinpoint, he liked it not.
It seemed oddly familiar, and with horror he realized where he had seen that amused and determined stare.

It was the look his father Thranduil gave his youngest son right before he brought up the 'settling down' discussion with either one of his two remaining sons.

His elder brother Malwe usually fled smartly to some made up duty, leaving Legolas to receive the brunt of Thranduil's 'advising' fatherly speeches.

He sent Aragorn his best warning look, but only received another shiver as it seemed that Aragorn was now determined to stick to his idea.

Was he encouraging Legolas to advance affections upon Tempest!? The human could not honestly think...

Legolas shook his head stunned at the Man, was he mad?

Aragorn chuckled slightly and gave him a 'defeated, for now' look, and Legolas liked it even less than the previous gestures.

As the King settled back, feigning innocence while he turned his attention to his pipe smoking, Legolas sat with hands hanging between his knees. His long limbs now relaxed and his lean lanky body rested upon his knees and thighs as he sat upon his spot against the large tree. His upper body resting against his legs for support, and his long smooth back lying upon the tree for the same.

The lands murmured to him and he listened, attempting to clear his thoughts.

He regarded his friend for many more moments, thinking many things then only one thing as his mind begin to panic by the route his thoughts were now taking.
He had let the thoughts wander and they had led him to a dangerous place, his eyes widened as he glanced at Tempest quickly then back to Aragorn.

The Man had gone insane, that had to be it.

He pushed his thoughts to what they had been previously, and schooled them to a safer decision. He had concluded that he would train Tempest.


//yes, this is what the nature of my relationship with her shall be. I shall teach her the use of a weapon so she will not be helpless again."// he nodded to himself pleased with his decision. He nod again, as if nodding in agreement to another persons comment.

Then he sit back, wide awake as the first watch had been set as his.

His eyes shifted to his side at the sleeping Gypsy's and without thinking his hand tugged upon her blanket, covering her from the nights chill.

Realizing his err, he pulled his hand back and looked over to Aragorn expecting to see a triumphant look upon his devious face.

But Aragorn did not watch him, nay, as a matter of fact no one watch him.
All in his presence were dozing now.

He had to admit to himself that it was his paranoid thoughts that caused him such stress. He glared at Aragorn, and the man shifted slightly in his light sleep. Legolas did not doubt that the Dunedain could sense his strong Elven glare.

//Good. That is for your silly inclinations// he thought, crossing his arms across his chest. His silky sun blonde hair fell over his shoulders in small bundles as he stare at the fire.

How could anyone mistake simple protective gestures to a young one as anything else. He resented such a notion, but concluded that Aragorn was simply having fun with his pride. Like old times.

He press his body into the tree behind him, stretching one leg out before him and sighed deep and long.

//Insane. Definitely, insane// he stated finally.
But whither it was Aragorn or himself he spoke of, he was not so sure anymore...





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Translations:


"Aerpaw"= sea-sickness. A word of my own making roughly translating into sea sickness.
I know many people have many renditions of a term for the Sea Longing; if mine came out even anywhere near to yours, please know it is coincidental. I tried to make it far from others I've heard as they do not think I copied, that�s the last thing I wish is to copy when they do no wish me to.


"forn Estel, a im naris o Gondor"=right Estel, and I am Queen of Gondor


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