𝐋𝐎𝐓𝐑 𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐒

recklessness [Legolas]

[Published: 30.07.2020]

(Y/N) stepped from the shadows of the woods, her hood raised, watching as the travellers passed. They could not see her- it was too dark to distinguish matter from shadows. She was silent and cunning, and was undetected by those passing. On impulse, she followed, intrigue getting the better of her.

Legolas set down his bow and quiver on the ground, and looked onwards to the sky. He was to take first watch. As the fellowship drifted into slumber, he found himself mulling over tedious memories that, for whatever reason, began playing in his mind.

His eyes darted to Frodo, the ring popping out from under his cloak. He smiled at the Hobbit, as he snored softly, stirring in his sleep. His blanket was halfway down his torso. Stepping forward, the blonde elf reached down, and pulled at the material, so it encased Frodo up to his neck.

A soft breeze passed through the lands, flowing at Legolas' hair. The brush and trees hushed as the wind passed, they directing to the north.

For a moment, he thought he saw something in the depths of the forest. His theory was confirmed by the rustling. Grabbing his bow, and readying an arrow, he aimed to where he thought the imposter to be.

"Who goes there?!" he bellowed, approaching gingerly.

Out from the shadows, emerged a figure. In one stroke, she removed her hood, and Legolas found himself speechless. It was his old friend, (Y/N). "(Y/N)!" he cried, throwing his bow and arrow away, approaching her, and engulfing her in an embrace.

"Steady on, Legolas," she muffled, hands warping round his neck, "You know what I had to do to get here?"

He instantly pulled away, and looked her deep in the eyes.

"Do you think Lord Elrond would...?"

"My father will send out the guard, but he won't catch me- I'll make sure of it,"

"(Y/N), your safety is at stake; I cannot let you be reckless," she looked at him with a longing look, before it melting into disappointment.

"You sound just like my father," she muttered, shaking her head, "I can look after myself,"

"You know that's not what I mean," he replied with a hushed voice- his fingers reached up, and raised her chin slightly, "And I know that's not the only reason why you came," the girl sighed at this, and averted her eyes elsewhere; how did the elf always know?

"I am capable, Legolas. But you're right," she smiled weakly, stepping back, her eyes looking back up to him, "That's not the only reason,"

Legolas' eyes glimmered, as he felt his heart thump against his chest. Hope swelled through him, and he thought perhaps, for a moment, it would be possible for her to reciprocate.

"Legolas, I..." she stuttered, "I...my father wishes me to..." he stepped forward, faces inches apart. Her (E/C) eyes locked with his, and he felt an urge to hold her.

"Yes?"

"My father wants me to be married," she breathed, looking away, "But I will not have it. To any elf, I could not spend the rest of my life with. I could not. Though he said I may choose who I shall be wed to, I could not let myself be owned by another. It would be belittling. And besides, they'd all marry me because I'm the Lady of Imladris," she sighed softly, looking away.

"You'd refuse to marry for its expectations? You think too much into it. If you are to love someone, (Y/N), your marriage will be blissful," the elf weakly said, hiding his disappointment. "But that is the thing, Legolas. I do not love like that. I have tried, and failed to have my affections ensnared by people who would be worthy allies, but my heart will not have it!"