Notes: Sorry this took so long, but most of you know that I had bronchitis.
Thank you to my beta-reader, you do a wonderful job! This is an interlude chapter, before Aragorn, Legolas, and Meiyuu head to Gondor. Their journey will begin in the next chapter. I had to move the action and lemon back a few chapters, but the wait will be worth it!
Preparations
Part 20
Aragorn blinked. He was so used to seeing the slightly bitter, yet somehow aloof expression Meiyuu constantly wore that he was actually surprised by the sadness that had brushed over the boy's face. Considering what he had just blurted out, he shouldn't have been. He wouldn't have been had it been another lonely, embittered, orphan child standing before him. He probably wouldn't even have been so careless with his actions. But it was *Meiyuu*, and he was just so used to the facade the child held up to the world...
He groaned. How long would it take for Meiyuu to begin to show the barest *hint* of being comfortable around him again? Of opening up again? Because, despite his stubbornness and his fear, Meiyuu had truly begun to trust him more. After all, the child was very lonely...
At least, that was what Legolas had told him. And he, Aragorn, trusted the wood Elf's judgment. After all, didn't the Elf know Meiyuu so much better than he did? Yes, Aragorn decided. The lonely child had begun to open up to him, finally letting him glimpse the events of his painful past.
And, of course, he would blurt out something to remind the child of that past... only realizing what he had done *after* the words left his mouth. While he embarrassed the kid with his... attentions to Legolas. Aragorn shook his head in wry amusement. How did that Elven saying go? 'Look before you leap?' Or perhaps it was 'think before you speak?' Well, whatever it was, it was one thing he had certainly *not* done.
He shook his head in chagrin. He would remember next time. At least he hoped so. If Meiyuu retreated even more behind that mask he had created... It wasn't healthy. It wasn't healthy at all for the boy to keep his heart locked in crystal and ice. It wasn't right for the boy to shy away from people. All save Legolas...
But Meiyuu's relationship with Legolas wasn't truly that of a friend to a friend, Aragorn reflected. Or, he revised, it was *just* that of a friend to a friend. The way the child always listened to the Elf, the way Legolas' opinion and welfare were always prevalent in his mind... Meiyuu regarded Legolas as a child would his father.
And why wouldn't he, Aragorn asked himself. Legolas had the ability to see right through the boy's defenses. And the Elf *used* that ability. Often. Always to help the child. It's no wonder Meiyuu loves him so much, Aragorn thought. And it's no wonder Legolas loves the child back equally. He felt vaguely surprised to feel the slight grasp of a bitter emotion wrap around his heart...He fought against it, struggling against the dark tendrils invading him.
It was good, he told himself, that they loved each other so much. It was good, GOOD. And what did it matter that Meiyuu showed no affection for *him*? *He* was nothing to the child. Why should he be? It wasn't as if he really knew Meiyuu. It wasn't as if the child really understood *him*. In a way... they were complete strangers. And that was fine. Just fine.
The door opened, drawing a rather grateful Aragorn out of his thoughts. He looked up to see Frodo and Gimli walk in carrying a silver tray of food between them. He stared and blinked.
No, it was not a hallucination. His two friends were definitely carrying ONE tray BETWEEN them. He blinked again.
No matter how he tried, Aragorn could *not* believe that *Gimli* needed help with a tray of food, no matter how big. The only thing he could come up with was that Frodo insisted on helping which, now that Aragorn thought about it, made sense, given the Hobbit's generous nature. Satisfied, Aragorn turned to the child still trapped under the blankets he sat on. Now to get him to eat... Aragorn mused.
As if he were reading the man's thoughts, Meiyuu suddenly scowled. Damn it, he thought sulkily. Aragorn's going to try and stuff me with food again! I just know it! He's already looking at me as if he's sizing how much I can take. The thought made him moan in frustration. The last time Aragorn had decided to "encourage" him to eat, he had ended up eating five large bread rolls. Five. And he'd gotten a minor stomachache a turn of an hourglass later.
Meiyuu shivered in apprehension and silently swore not to eat more than six pieces of fruit, three bread rolls, three slices of cheese and one of those flat cake things resting at the center of the silver plate no matter how much Aragorn cajoled him to eat more. It wasn't that Meiyuu was against eating a good meal... it was just that, given his previous diet, it wouldn't *be* a good meal. For him, it would be the same as eating more than what was good for him. And he didn't want to deal with another stomachache.
Shira is enough, he thought to himself.
Legolas stood, walked over to Gimli and Frodo, and took the tray from them. "Thank you," he smiled, gracefully placing the silver platter on a small table beside Meiyuu's bed. Legolas retook his position beside the child and picked up a piece of fruit, eating it slowly. Thoughtfully.
Meiyuu blinked.
The Elf's normally lively eyes seemed a bit... vacant?
Shimatta! Shira better not be trying to control Mi--Legolas, too, he thought angrily. If the Elf *was* falling under that bastard's spell, then he'd... he'd...
The sound of someone clearing his throat drew Meiyuu out of his furious thoughts. He looked up to find Aragorn raising an inquiring dark eyebrow at him. He crossed his arms in stubborn defiance.
Wonderful, Meiyuu groaned inwardly. What did I do now? It seemed that nothing he did was acceptable. Aragorn was always seeking to correct him. To glare at him for cursing. To berate him for not eating enough- he glanced worriedly at the food seated on the small table. To take command of his life and order him around. And he hated that.
But who wouldn't? Who wouldn't hate suddenly being ordered around? Who wouldn't feel uncomfortable to have someone telling them to eat more, to watch his language, to take keep himself clean and treat his wounds?
Certainly not him.
And even if it did make him feel wanted... even if it did make him feel as if he had a family, a father, again... even if he *did* like it, ache for it desperately on some hidden level of his being, that didn't mean he *needed* it. So what if he wanted it? It would weaken him, hurt him more in the long run. Because Aragorn would end up leaving him... just as almost everyone else had. Just as Legolas would.
And he had to let Aragorn know that. The man shouldn't be allowed to think he actually meant something to Meiyuu. And even if folding one's arms in defiance to a simple, pointed gesture was childish, it had to be done. Because Aragorn had to *believe* he meant nothing to Meiyuu and that Meiyuu wasn't worth the effort...
Wait a minute... Legolas!
Meiyuu panicked. He had just been thinking about Shira brainwashing Legolas five breaths before and... Hurriedly, he glanced at the golden-haired Elf chewing on one red apple... At the Elf with the exasperated, knowing smile on his face, shaking his head at him.
It was at this point that Meiyuu noticed the silence in the room... And realized that his childish gesture had been noticed by *everyone*. He groaned inwardly. Great. Now they all think I'm an over-reactive idiot.
Meiyuu muttered under his breath and finally took the smallest piece of fruit on the tray and ate it, if only to distract everyone from staring at him so. Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Frodo...
Oh, Valar, I feel like a fool. Worse, he noticed the tinge of pain in his best friend's azure eyes. Pain that, once again, was caused by him. When was the last time Legolas had asked him not to fight with Aragorn?
Ah, yes. Yesterday. And numerous times before that. And that meant... what? What could he do to... make himself more amenable to his friend and his friend's friends? Should he... talk more? Be more... open? No... that can't be it, he thought silently. All that would bring is disaster. Since Shira's chasing after me... and, sooner or later, he's going to end up getting me...
Despite what Aragorn told him, Meiyuu had no delusions. The dark mage was powerful. Shira would not be easily overcome. What the bastard wanted, he got. And he wanted Meiyuu. But I can't let him get more than me. At least if... if he gets me, I can try and make sure he can never do anything again. And... getting to know Aragorn and Gimli and Frodo would be wrong. It'd put them in danger.
He ignored the small voice in his heart telling him they were *already* in danger and that he should let them in his heart. That he was *really* keeping them at bay so that he might not have to suffer should he wind up losing them. That he was afraid of just that
happening.
"Do you want some more food, Meiyuu?" a small voice broke the silence.
Startled, Meiyuu turned to see the compassionate Hobbit offering him a lembas wafer. And, looking into those kind, gentle eyes, eyes with the same compassion that Legolas had, but with an endearing look of innocence in them, he found himself suddenly sad.
What would it be like, he wondered, if I *could* afford to love them? Aragorn, Frodo, and even gruff Gimli. What would it be like if I could... let myself have friends?
A sudden image of his father, thick, red blood spilling out of his mouth to roll slowly down his chin, crossed his mind. And just as Frodo began to hand the lembas wafer to Meiyuu, the child pulled his hand back, staring hard at the soft, smooth bed covers over his lap. The wafer fell to the floor and broke.
Legolas gasped, his eyes wide, staring at the crumbs.
"Legolas, what ails you?" The normally gruff voice was strained, worried.
The Elf looked at his once-best friend and smiled. "Nothing, my friend. 'Tis only that the lembas wafer crumbling reminded me of how you tried to smash the One Ring in two with your axe at the Council in Rivendell... and of how our animosity came close to tearing the Fellowship apart before it ever began."
Gimli was not the only person in the room to choke on nothing more than air.
"You remember, Legolas?" Try as he might, Gimli could not keep the hope out of his voice.
"No, Gimli. Only bits and parts." Legolas sighed, knowing that his words would disappoint the Dwarf.
Gimli's eyes drooped wearily shut, and, for once, grief was plain on his face.
Legolas remembered their animosity... but not their friendship, it seemed. The Elf didn't remember Frodo or the Lady of Lothlorien and her mirror. Most importantly, he didn't remember what he was to his best friend, Gimli. The dwarf had never been one to cry, but not he felt the moisture seeking to escape his eyes.
Oh, he *knew* that Legolas needed time to remember, but unfortunately, time was against them. With the day that Elrond would leave Middle Earth for the West fast approaching, the days that Legolas had to remember who he really was were dwindling. Because Frodo and Gandalf would leave with Elrond. And if Legolas didn't remember by then...
Gimli didn't want to be alone.
You taught me the meaning of friend beyond clan and family, Legolas, the dwarf thought sadly. Will you now teach me what it means to be bereft of them both? He suddenly remembered. He was there at that moment to tell his friends to leave Rivendell.
Frodo coughed gently, drawing his friends' attentions. "Lord Elrond believes- and I agree- that it would be best for you three, Aragorn, Legolas, Meiyuu, to go to Gondor as soon as possible. He says," the Hobbit swallowed miserably, "that it'd be better for you to be somewhere safe, and he thinks that Gondor is the safest choice. He's already sent Elrohir and Elladan out to gather the rest of the former Fellowship. They'll make a short stop here, but they will see you in Gondor. Elrond thinks Gandalf might be able to help against Shira better than he can."
"Tis for your own good," Gimli added, trying to keep the pain he felt inside from showing.
Aragorn nodded slowly. "I agree... They've dared follow us here, and because of that, Rivendell is not safe for anyone. And we will certainly need Gandalf's help with them once we arrive in Gondor. Though Lord Elrond might believe it to be safest, I doubt any place will truly be safe from that dark wizard."
"They only came here to get me," Meiyuu pointed out, his voice soft. "They ventured here and brought trouble to the lord here because they wanted my..." He choked, suddenly realizing the implications of what he said.
His earlier words came back to him. 'They only came here to get me.' And that meant that Shira *didn't* want Legolas. Meiyuu briefly wondered why the evil one had given up on Legolas. He kept waiting for the relief to hit him. But it didn't. If Shira and that other guy were only after him... His hand shook. His face paled.
It was *good*, he reminded himself, *good* that Shira no longer wanted Legolas. That meant his best friend was out of danger. It also meant that he alone was in danger. And in lots of danger. Meiyuu was frightened.
"They won't take you, Meiyuu," Aragorn vowed quietly.
A soft hand rested on his shoulder gently, supportively. Meiyuu looked up at the oldest friend he could remember.
"No, they won't."
"Aragorn will protect you," Frodo added. "He protected me well during the Quest to destroy the One Ring, and before that, when I had gotten stabbed with a Morgul-knife by a Nazgul, Aragorn managed to keep me alive until Lord Elrond and Gandalf could heal me."
Meiyuu looked at him dubiously. "He did all that?" he asked, looking to Aragorn for verification. The telltale blush on the Man's face, however, wiped all trace of doubt from his mind. The dark-haired boy snickered. Aragorn looked... funny... with his cheeks the color of an overripe apple.
Aragorn scowled at him.
Meiyuu laughed harder.
Legolas burst out laughing. "You are far too modest, Estel," he grinned. "After all, it's *true*. And without both you and Frodo, the Fellowship could never have been. Frodo carried the burden of the ring. You kept what remained of us together after Boromir's death. Gimli and I were disheartened after Frodo and Sam ran off and Merry and Pippin were captured, if I remember correctly..."
With the sole exception of Meiyuu, everyone in the
room stared at him in disbelief.
The Elf's voice trailed off, eyebrows furrowing in consternation. "D-Do I remember correctly, Estel?" he stammered.
At those words, Aragorn snapped out of his stupor. "Y-yes, Legolas. That's... correct. But why did you call me 'Estel?'" This was the third time, now, that Legolas had referred to him as Estel, which the Elf used to call him when they were alone.
Legolas' eyes opened wide. "I-I don't know. I'm sorry; I shouldn't have called you that..." But the name was so familiar to the Elf, that it seemed natural for him to use it for Aragorn.
"No, no!" Aragorn quickly exclaimed, shaking his head furiously. "That's my Elf-given name. Please. Call me by that name."
Legolas smiled shyly. "Estel," he whispered.
"Legolas," the man whispered back, reaching out one callused hand to stroke back the gold locks on the Elf's forehead...
"Ahem."
Aragorn jumped, suddenly remembering he wasn't alone with the beautiful Elf before him. His face flamed red to see Gimli glaring at him. The dwarf glanced purposefully at Meiyuu, turning back to him.
Aragorn looked away guiltily. He had forgotten about Meiyuu. He looked back at Gimli, nodding to show he understood... And saw a glimmer of guilt swim past the dwarf's eyes.
What in the name of the Valar...
This time, Gimli turned away.
~*~*~*~*~*~
What was wrong with him, Gimli asked himself. Where had this feeling of jealousy come from? Aragorn and Legolas had been growing closer together...
Why did he interrupt that?
He noticed Aragorn looking at him questioningly. He glanced at Meiyuu, raising a thick eyebrow. His guilt was compounded. He has used Meiyuu, a *child*, as an excuse. Aragorn looked away, unable to face his eyes, and he couldn't stop himself from feeling satisfaction. Once again, Gimli was forced to ask himself why he had come between two of his best friends. Oh wait. He knew. He was jealous. That was the reason.
Him. Gimli. The one chosen to represent the Dwarven race in the fellowship. Aragorn turned back to regard him, and he looked away, unable to meet the intelligent gray eyes of his friend any longer...
He was a saboteur.
Gimli was disgusted with himself.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Meiyuu stood blinking in surprise. He looked from Gimli to Aragorn and back again. Back and forth. Back and forth. Why did they look so morose? What had happened?
The last thing *he* noticed was Aragorn and Legolas mooning at each other before Gimli cleared his throat. And, even though Meiyuu thought Aragorn and Legolas looked cute together, he had to admit that what they were *about* to do wasn't exactly appropriate in front of others...
So what had brought about the uncomfortable silence that hung over them all? He saw Frodo shifting his feet uncomfortably. The Hobbit opened his mouth as if to say something... and suddenly shut it again.
Meiyuu was beginning to wonder if Shira had cast a spell over them all. He frowned, fidgeting restlessly. It was just too... awkward, to be stuck in a room with friends who wouldn't meet each other's gazes. He wanted to move, to yell, to do *something* to get rid of that uneasy silence...
What in the name of the Valar was stopping him?
Meiyuu winced, feeling the persistent pull that wanted him to waltz out of Imladris and into Shira's grasp. Oh, yeah. *That* was what was keeping him from doing anything helpful. He was too busy with Shira. Damn you, Shira, he thought silently, struggling not to give into the pull. Tears pricked at his eyes, but he forced the clear liquid back. He *would* not cry.
"Meiyuu, are you all right?" a concerned, lilting voice reached him.
He opened his eyes to look at the gentle-eyed Elf regarding him. Meiyuu nodded. "Yes, I'm fine."
Legolas nodded before turning to the rest of his friends. "You spoke of Aragorn and my leaving for Gondor before. When will that be? Gimli?"
The dwarf in question shrugged and glanced askance at Aragorn.
The Man sighed and thought.
"As soon as the arrangements can be made," Aragorn answered. "Perhaps in..." A sudden thought occurred to him, and he glanced at Meiyuu. "Do you know how to ride?"
"Huh?" the boy blinked, utterly lost by the sudden change of topic. "Ride what?"
"A horse, Meiyuu," Aragorn said impatiently. Haven't you ever ridden one before?"
The only horses in Rivendell were Elf-bred and far stronger and faster than their human-bred counterparts. A boy with no previous experience with horses certainly would *not* be able to handle such a creature. And if Meiyuu had had no experience...
The boy stared at Aragorn blankly.
Aragorn sighed. He had been afraid of that. "You'll have to ride with me then. Or Legolas, if you prefer." He then looked at Frodo and Gimli. "Did Elrond say how long it would take for the others to arrive? I dislike splitting up like this, but the longer we stay here, the more likely that the dark mage will attack Rivendell."
Gimli nodded. "He said that it shouldn't take more than a week at most, and that once Sam, Pippin, Gandalf, and Merry are brought here, we- that is, Frodo and myself- will journey with them to Gondor as well."
Aragorn thought for a moment. "Hm. 'Tis good it won't take more than a week, but that length of time is still too long a wait. I had hoped to wait for them to arrive before we leave... but it seems that's not a possibility now." He thought for a moment longer. "Thus, here is what we will do. It will be best, I think, if Meiyuu, Legolas, and I leave today. The quickness of our departure should, hopefully, confuse Shira and his cohorts for a while. If we're lucky, it should buy us a day or two. It will also distract them from Rivendell."
"But," Frodo began uncertainly, "if they see you leaving... they'll be near enough to catch you!"
Aragorn shook his head, a smile tugging softly at the corners of his mouth. "No, Frodo. For, you see, we'll leave at dusk, under the cover of approaching darkness. Magic-user or not, Shira should not spot us so quickly at night. And *he'll* be too busy preparing to rest for the night to notice our slipping off."
Gimli nodded. "It's a good plan, Aragorn. I suggest you bring those dark-gray elven cloaks with you. I seem to recall they were excellent in hiding a person in shadow."
"It's a good idea, Gimli," Aragorn agreed. He turned to the rest of his friends. "We are agreed then?"
Legolas and Frodo nodded, finding no fault in the plan. Meiyuu, however...The boy remained still, neither uttering nor nodding his approval.
"Meiyuu?" Legolas questioned softly. "Do you agree?"
No, he wanted to scream. I *don't*. I don't agree to this ridiculous plan and... and...
He didn't know what was wrong with him. Why was he so very against this idea? Was it because Aragorn had thought of it? Was it because of the way Aragorn had gone about things? Making all the decisions? Just who did the man think he was?
What he is, a soft voice filled with admiration whispered in the back of Meiyuu's mind. A leader.
A natural-born leader who commanded when he was needed to, taking hold of a dangerous situation and finding a way to make the best of it.
But he made *all* the decision, Meiyuu found himself protesting silently. He didn't even *ask* for anyone else's opinion!
No, that soft, gentle part of his mind whispered back. He didn't. But he didn't need to either. He knew, just as everyone here knew, that anyone who had something to suggest could do so. As Gimli did. And he didn't force anyone to accept his decisions. That was why he asked for everyone's agreement at the very end.
An agreement he had not given. And why?
Because he was jealous? Was that what the bitter, irrational feeling inside him was? Jealousy? But what could I be jealous of, he thought scornfully. What kind of a leader *asks* the people he commands if they agree with him?
One who leads people not only through his decisions, but also through his consideration, his ability to put himself in the clothes of the people he's taken responsibility for. Aragorn was a great leader, Meiyuu realized, because he *understood* those he commanded.
And how Meiyuu wished he could be like that.
"Do you agree with the plan, Meiyuu?" the very man he had been thinking about asked.
The boy nodded, startled. As soon as Aragorn turned away, he ducked his head, suddenly feeling shy in front of the strong man he admired.
Legolas raised his eyebrows in amusement, hard-pressed not to smile as he saw that shy,
wondering look in his young friend's eyes while the latter stared at his lover. The boy was finally beginning to accept Aragorn.
Or so he hoped.
Trying to hide the uncertainty that assailed him, Legolas reached out one agile hand and ruffled Meiyuu's glossy mahogany hair. He chuckled to find the child scowling at him, his nose scrunched up in distaste. Legolas was used to such a reaction, even though he knew that Meiyuu truly didn't mind it as much as he pretended to. "One day your face will get stuck like that, my friend," he warned teasingly.
Meiyuu scoffed, "That'll never happen."
Legolas grinned. "Are you so sure?"
Meiyuu nodded stubbornly, glaring at him with a I'm-not-*that*-gullible look. The Elf's grin only grew wider. He opened his mouth to say something...
"Do *you* remember how to ride, Legolas?" came the unexpected question.
There was a moment of silence, except for the soft snicker that came from a certain dark-haired boy... It was now Legolas' turn to be teased.
"I take it you don't remember?" Aragorn groaned.
Legolas felt his cheeks suffuse with blood. "Only a little..." He blushed.
"That'll be fine," Aragorn soothed.
"Yes," the dwarf added gruffly. "I don't believe you'll have any trouble. You crazy Elves seem to be born on things like trees and horses..."
Legolas choked, trying to keep the laughter bubbling up to his lips *inside* him. "Just as you stupid Dwarves seem to be born with axes in your hands? However, may I add that an axe certainly did not keep you from falling off our horse three years ago? That was *me*, I believe."
Gimli gaped. Nor was he only one to do so. Everyone else in the room was staring at the blond Elf in shock...
With the sole exception of the boy busily braiding Legolas' hair in small, deft movements. Who was so silent, concentrated on the task of twining the silky strands clutched in his hands, that only *now* did everyone notice him. For once, his masks were gone, revealing the inner child that had taken over, replacing Meiyuu's fear and worries over Shira, as he continued in his innocent task, seemingly unaware of everyone who was looking at him.
They all gaped. Even Legolas, who had known Meiyuu for the only three years of life he could fully remember, seemed mildly surprised.
"Legolas..." Aragorn whispered.
"Don't say anything," Legolas cut him off, feeling the gentle tugs on his hair.
"But he's... He's..."
Legolas shook his head, warning the Man against disturbing the child behind him.
The Ranger raised an eyebrow but nodded. Granted, it *was* strange for him to see the normally frightened, stubborn, angry child to look so... so... Well, the only thing that could come to Aragorn's mind was: peaceful. And what a bizarre sight that was. But what a *peaceful* sight that also was. The child, finally content, as he *should* be...
And it looked as if Gimli and Frodo agreed, Aragorn thought, looking up to catch the Dwarf and the Hobbit grinning at each other. If only they could spend the afternoon staring at the momentarily serene boy braiding his best friend's hair...
But they couldn't. Not with an evil mage after them. Aragorn sighed and gestured to Gimli, Legolas, and Frodo. They needed to prepare for the night's events, and were almost finished by the time Elrond came to visit them.
"Tis growing rather late, Aragorn... Have you decided what to do yet?" the ebony-haired elven lord asked worriedly.
"Yes. Legolas, Meiyuu, and I are going to leave for Gondor tonight," Aragorn informed his foster father, standing. "The journey will take a few days, but 'tis as Frodo said: the sooner we leave, the better."
He suddenly noticed the weariness that exuded from Elrond, and his eyes asked a silent question: 'Are you all right?'
"I see... Take whatever you need for your trip," Elrond replied. He nodded to Aragorn's unspoken query, amused that Aragorn could read him so well.
"We have almost everything we need. All that remains is food, a change of clothes, water, horses, and supplies for the horses."
"You shall have that." The lord turned, then, to Legolas. His dark eyes noted the sleeping child against the Elf's right arm. He raised an eyebrow questioningly.
He's fine, just tired, I think, the periwinkle blue eyes replied. Legolas then laid Meiyuu back against the soft pillows and stood as well. "Thank you, Lord Elrond." He bowed gracefully.
"There is no need to do that, my friend," the lord smiled.
Legolas shook his head. "I wish to, my friend."
Impulsively, the Elven lord wrapped his lost friend in a hug, knowing that he would never see the Elf again... He felt slender arms wrap around him comfortingly, consolingly.
"I wish you happiness with your wife, lord Elrond."
Elrond gasped. Legolas *knew*? He withdrew from the embrace, staring at the blond Elf... Legolas knew. The dark-haired Elf felt his heart fill with joy. Legolas' memories were returning to him...
"No! Why?" a young voice interrupted his thoughts.
Startled, both Elves turned to look at the outraged young boy glaring at the Man glaring right back at him.
"You have to ride with me, Meiyuu, because Legolas might not be able to support you! He says he barely remembers how to ride. How will he be able to keep both himself *and* you on the horse?" Aragorn pointedly asked.
Meiyuu stuck out his tongue at him, chagrined beyond thought.
Legolas and Elrond looked at each other...
And burst out laughing.
They were not laughing later.
"What's wrong with the gray horse?" Aragorn moaned.
"I like the white one!"
"Meiyuu..."
"Why can't we take the white one?"
"The gray one's stronger and faster."
"Exactly my point. How do you expect me to ride it?"
"That's what I'm here for, Meiyuu."
"But-"
"No buts." Aragorn glared at the child, exasperation written across his face.
"Fine," Meiyuu capitulated, finally, too tired to argue any longer. He sulked silently, scowling at Aragorn, though he was so tired that he longed to sleep again.
From where he was helping Legolas handle a beautiful chestnut stallion, Elrond frowned. The child seemed... unusually tired. He had surrendered too easily. Much too easily. But then, he reflected, he didn't know Meiyuu too well. Perhaps the child was just tired from the day's activities...Yes, he decided. That was it. It had to be.
Satisfied, he devoted his entire attention to helping Legolas sit on the horse. He was pleased to find the Elf instinctively easing into a comfortable position, taking hold of the dark mane instead of the reins that dangled uselessly at the horse's sides. It looked like Legolas remembered how to ride a horse. Elven-style.
"You can stop squeezing the breath from my lungs now, Meiyuu," a wry voice said, from atop the gray horse a few footsteps away. "You're not going to fall off."
Meiyuu muttered, "So you claim..." The expression on his face proved that he was *not* convinced.
Elrond and Legolas looked at each other again... and burst out laughing.
To be continued
Thank you to my beta-reader, you do a wonderful job! This is an interlude chapter, before Aragorn, Legolas, and Meiyuu head to Gondor. Their journey will begin in the next chapter. I had to move the action and lemon back a few chapters, but the wait will be worth it!
Preparations
Part 20
Aragorn blinked. He was so used to seeing the slightly bitter, yet somehow aloof expression Meiyuu constantly wore that he was actually surprised by the sadness that had brushed over the boy's face. Considering what he had just blurted out, he shouldn't have been. He wouldn't have been had it been another lonely, embittered, orphan child standing before him. He probably wouldn't even have been so careless with his actions. But it was *Meiyuu*, and he was just so used to the facade the child held up to the world...
He groaned. How long would it take for Meiyuu to begin to show the barest *hint* of being comfortable around him again? Of opening up again? Because, despite his stubbornness and his fear, Meiyuu had truly begun to trust him more. After all, the child was very lonely...
At least, that was what Legolas had told him. And he, Aragorn, trusted the wood Elf's judgment. After all, didn't the Elf know Meiyuu so much better than he did? Yes, Aragorn decided. The lonely child had begun to open up to him, finally letting him glimpse the events of his painful past.
And, of course, he would blurt out something to remind the child of that past... only realizing what he had done *after* the words left his mouth. While he embarrassed the kid with his... attentions to Legolas. Aragorn shook his head in wry amusement. How did that Elven saying go? 'Look before you leap?' Or perhaps it was 'think before you speak?' Well, whatever it was, it was one thing he had certainly *not* done.
He shook his head in chagrin. He would remember next time. At least he hoped so. If Meiyuu retreated even more behind that mask he had created... It wasn't healthy. It wasn't healthy at all for the boy to keep his heart locked in crystal and ice. It wasn't right for the boy to shy away from people. All save Legolas...
But Meiyuu's relationship with Legolas wasn't truly that of a friend to a friend, Aragorn reflected. Or, he revised, it was *just* that of a friend to a friend. The way the child always listened to the Elf, the way Legolas' opinion and welfare were always prevalent in his mind... Meiyuu regarded Legolas as a child would his father.
And why wouldn't he, Aragorn asked himself. Legolas had the ability to see right through the boy's defenses. And the Elf *used* that ability. Often. Always to help the child. It's no wonder Meiyuu loves him so much, Aragorn thought. And it's no wonder Legolas loves the child back equally. He felt vaguely surprised to feel the slight grasp of a bitter emotion wrap around his heart...He fought against it, struggling against the dark tendrils invading him.
It was good, he told himself, that they loved each other so much. It was good, GOOD. And what did it matter that Meiyuu showed no affection for *him*? *He* was nothing to the child. Why should he be? It wasn't as if he really knew Meiyuu. It wasn't as if the child really understood *him*. In a way... they were complete strangers. And that was fine. Just fine.
The door opened, drawing a rather grateful Aragorn out of his thoughts. He looked up to see Frodo and Gimli walk in carrying a silver tray of food between them. He stared and blinked.
No, it was not a hallucination. His two friends were definitely carrying ONE tray BETWEEN them. He blinked again.
No matter how he tried, Aragorn could *not* believe that *Gimli* needed help with a tray of food, no matter how big. The only thing he could come up with was that Frodo insisted on helping which, now that Aragorn thought about it, made sense, given the Hobbit's generous nature. Satisfied, Aragorn turned to the child still trapped under the blankets he sat on. Now to get him to eat... Aragorn mused.
As if he were reading the man's thoughts, Meiyuu suddenly scowled. Damn it, he thought sulkily. Aragorn's going to try and stuff me with food again! I just know it! He's already looking at me as if he's sizing how much I can take. The thought made him moan in frustration. The last time Aragorn had decided to "encourage" him to eat, he had ended up eating five large bread rolls. Five. And he'd gotten a minor stomachache a turn of an hourglass later.
Meiyuu shivered in apprehension and silently swore not to eat more than six pieces of fruit, three bread rolls, three slices of cheese and one of those flat cake things resting at the center of the silver plate no matter how much Aragorn cajoled him to eat more. It wasn't that Meiyuu was against eating a good meal... it was just that, given his previous diet, it wouldn't *be* a good meal. For him, it would be the same as eating more than what was good for him. And he didn't want to deal with another stomachache.
Shira is enough, he thought to himself.
Legolas stood, walked over to Gimli and Frodo, and took the tray from them. "Thank you," he smiled, gracefully placing the silver platter on a small table beside Meiyuu's bed. Legolas retook his position beside the child and picked up a piece of fruit, eating it slowly. Thoughtfully.
Meiyuu blinked.
The Elf's normally lively eyes seemed a bit... vacant?
Shimatta! Shira better not be trying to control Mi--Legolas, too, he thought angrily. If the Elf *was* falling under that bastard's spell, then he'd... he'd...
The sound of someone clearing his throat drew Meiyuu out of his furious thoughts. He looked up to find Aragorn raising an inquiring dark eyebrow at him. He crossed his arms in stubborn defiance.
Wonderful, Meiyuu groaned inwardly. What did I do now? It seemed that nothing he did was acceptable. Aragorn was always seeking to correct him. To glare at him for cursing. To berate him for not eating enough- he glanced worriedly at the food seated on the small table. To take command of his life and order him around. And he hated that.
But who wouldn't? Who wouldn't hate suddenly being ordered around? Who wouldn't feel uncomfortable to have someone telling them to eat more, to watch his language, to take keep himself clean and treat his wounds?
Certainly not him.
And even if it did make him feel wanted... even if it did make him feel as if he had a family, a father, again... even if he *did* like it, ache for it desperately on some hidden level of his being, that didn't mean he *needed* it. So what if he wanted it? It would weaken him, hurt him more in the long run. Because Aragorn would end up leaving him... just as almost everyone else had. Just as Legolas would.
And he had to let Aragorn know that. The man shouldn't be allowed to think he actually meant something to Meiyuu. And even if folding one's arms in defiance to a simple, pointed gesture was childish, it had to be done. Because Aragorn had to *believe* he meant nothing to Meiyuu and that Meiyuu wasn't worth the effort...
Wait a minute... Legolas!
Meiyuu panicked. He had just been thinking about Shira brainwashing Legolas five breaths before and... Hurriedly, he glanced at the golden-haired Elf chewing on one red apple... At the Elf with the exasperated, knowing smile on his face, shaking his head at him.
It was at this point that Meiyuu noticed the silence in the room... And realized that his childish gesture had been noticed by *everyone*. He groaned inwardly. Great. Now they all think I'm an over-reactive idiot.
Meiyuu muttered under his breath and finally took the smallest piece of fruit on the tray and ate it, if only to distract everyone from staring at him so. Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Frodo...
Oh, Valar, I feel like a fool. Worse, he noticed the tinge of pain in his best friend's azure eyes. Pain that, once again, was caused by him. When was the last time Legolas had asked him not to fight with Aragorn?
Ah, yes. Yesterday. And numerous times before that. And that meant... what? What could he do to... make himself more amenable to his friend and his friend's friends? Should he... talk more? Be more... open? No... that can't be it, he thought silently. All that would bring is disaster. Since Shira's chasing after me... and, sooner or later, he's going to end up getting me...
Despite what Aragorn told him, Meiyuu had no delusions. The dark mage was powerful. Shira would not be easily overcome. What the bastard wanted, he got. And he wanted Meiyuu. But I can't let him get more than me. At least if... if he gets me, I can try and make sure he can never do anything again. And... getting to know Aragorn and Gimli and Frodo would be wrong. It'd put them in danger.
He ignored the small voice in his heart telling him they were *already* in danger and that he should let them in his heart. That he was *really* keeping them at bay so that he might not have to suffer should he wind up losing them. That he was afraid of just that
happening.
"Do you want some more food, Meiyuu?" a small voice broke the silence.
Startled, Meiyuu turned to see the compassionate Hobbit offering him a lembas wafer. And, looking into those kind, gentle eyes, eyes with the same compassion that Legolas had, but with an endearing look of innocence in them, he found himself suddenly sad.
What would it be like, he wondered, if I *could* afford to love them? Aragorn, Frodo, and even gruff Gimli. What would it be like if I could... let myself have friends?
A sudden image of his father, thick, red blood spilling out of his mouth to roll slowly down his chin, crossed his mind. And just as Frodo began to hand the lembas wafer to Meiyuu, the child pulled his hand back, staring hard at the soft, smooth bed covers over his lap. The wafer fell to the floor and broke.
Legolas gasped, his eyes wide, staring at the crumbs.
"Legolas, what ails you?" The normally gruff voice was strained, worried.
The Elf looked at his once-best friend and smiled. "Nothing, my friend. 'Tis only that the lembas wafer crumbling reminded me of how you tried to smash the One Ring in two with your axe at the Council in Rivendell... and of how our animosity came close to tearing the Fellowship apart before it ever began."
Gimli was not the only person in the room to choke on nothing more than air.
"You remember, Legolas?" Try as he might, Gimli could not keep the hope out of his voice.
"No, Gimli. Only bits and parts." Legolas sighed, knowing that his words would disappoint the Dwarf.
Gimli's eyes drooped wearily shut, and, for once, grief was plain on his face.
Legolas remembered their animosity... but not their friendship, it seemed. The Elf didn't remember Frodo or the Lady of Lothlorien and her mirror. Most importantly, he didn't remember what he was to his best friend, Gimli. The dwarf had never been one to cry, but not he felt the moisture seeking to escape his eyes.
Oh, he *knew* that Legolas needed time to remember, but unfortunately, time was against them. With the day that Elrond would leave Middle Earth for the West fast approaching, the days that Legolas had to remember who he really was were dwindling. Because Frodo and Gandalf would leave with Elrond. And if Legolas didn't remember by then...
Gimli didn't want to be alone.
You taught me the meaning of friend beyond clan and family, Legolas, the dwarf thought sadly. Will you now teach me what it means to be bereft of them both? He suddenly remembered. He was there at that moment to tell his friends to leave Rivendell.
Frodo coughed gently, drawing his friends' attentions. "Lord Elrond believes- and I agree- that it would be best for you three, Aragorn, Legolas, Meiyuu, to go to Gondor as soon as possible. He says," the Hobbit swallowed miserably, "that it'd be better for you to be somewhere safe, and he thinks that Gondor is the safest choice. He's already sent Elrohir and Elladan out to gather the rest of the former Fellowship. They'll make a short stop here, but they will see you in Gondor. Elrond thinks Gandalf might be able to help against Shira better than he can."
"Tis for your own good," Gimli added, trying to keep the pain he felt inside from showing.
Aragorn nodded slowly. "I agree... They've dared follow us here, and because of that, Rivendell is not safe for anyone. And we will certainly need Gandalf's help with them once we arrive in Gondor. Though Lord Elrond might believe it to be safest, I doubt any place will truly be safe from that dark wizard."
"They only came here to get me," Meiyuu pointed out, his voice soft. "They ventured here and brought trouble to the lord here because they wanted my..." He choked, suddenly realizing the implications of what he said.
His earlier words came back to him. 'They only came here to get me.' And that meant that Shira *didn't* want Legolas. Meiyuu briefly wondered why the evil one had given up on Legolas. He kept waiting for the relief to hit him. But it didn't. If Shira and that other guy were only after him... His hand shook. His face paled.
It was *good*, he reminded himself, *good* that Shira no longer wanted Legolas. That meant his best friend was out of danger. It also meant that he alone was in danger. And in lots of danger. Meiyuu was frightened.
"They won't take you, Meiyuu," Aragorn vowed quietly.
A soft hand rested on his shoulder gently, supportively. Meiyuu looked up at the oldest friend he could remember.
"No, they won't."
"Aragorn will protect you," Frodo added. "He protected me well during the Quest to destroy the One Ring, and before that, when I had gotten stabbed with a Morgul-knife by a Nazgul, Aragorn managed to keep me alive until Lord Elrond and Gandalf could heal me."
Meiyuu looked at him dubiously. "He did all that?" he asked, looking to Aragorn for verification. The telltale blush on the Man's face, however, wiped all trace of doubt from his mind. The dark-haired boy snickered. Aragorn looked... funny... with his cheeks the color of an overripe apple.
Aragorn scowled at him.
Meiyuu laughed harder.
Legolas burst out laughing. "You are far too modest, Estel," he grinned. "After all, it's *true*. And without both you and Frodo, the Fellowship could never have been. Frodo carried the burden of the ring. You kept what remained of us together after Boromir's death. Gimli and I were disheartened after Frodo and Sam ran off and Merry and Pippin were captured, if I remember correctly..."
With the sole exception of Meiyuu, everyone in the
room stared at him in disbelief.
The Elf's voice trailed off, eyebrows furrowing in consternation. "D-Do I remember correctly, Estel?" he stammered.
At those words, Aragorn snapped out of his stupor. "Y-yes, Legolas. That's... correct. But why did you call me 'Estel?'" This was the third time, now, that Legolas had referred to him as Estel, which the Elf used to call him when they were alone.
Legolas' eyes opened wide. "I-I don't know. I'm sorry; I shouldn't have called you that..." But the name was so familiar to the Elf, that it seemed natural for him to use it for Aragorn.
"No, no!" Aragorn quickly exclaimed, shaking his head furiously. "That's my Elf-given name. Please. Call me by that name."
Legolas smiled shyly. "Estel," he whispered.
"Legolas," the man whispered back, reaching out one callused hand to stroke back the gold locks on the Elf's forehead...
"Ahem."
Aragorn jumped, suddenly remembering he wasn't alone with the beautiful Elf before him. His face flamed red to see Gimli glaring at him. The dwarf glanced purposefully at Meiyuu, turning back to him.
Aragorn looked away guiltily. He had forgotten about Meiyuu. He looked back at Gimli, nodding to show he understood... And saw a glimmer of guilt swim past the dwarf's eyes.
What in the name of the Valar...
This time, Gimli turned away.
~*~*~*~*~*~
What was wrong with him, Gimli asked himself. Where had this feeling of jealousy come from? Aragorn and Legolas had been growing closer together...
Why did he interrupt that?
He noticed Aragorn looking at him questioningly. He glanced at Meiyuu, raising a thick eyebrow. His guilt was compounded. He has used Meiyuu, a *child*, as an excuse. Aragorn looked away, unable to face his eyes, and he couldn't stop himself from feeling satisfaction. Once again, Gimli was forced to ask himself why he had come between two of his best friends. Oh wait. He knew. He was jealous. That was the reason.
Him. Gimli. The one chosen to represent the Dwarven race in the fellowship. Aragorn turned back to regard him, and he looked away, unable to meet the intelligent gray eyes of his friend any longer...
He was a saboteur.
Gimli was disgusted with himself.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Meiyuu stood blinking in surprise. He looked from Gimli to Aragorn and back again. Back and forth. Back and forth. Why did they look so morose? What had happened?
The last thing *he* noticed was Aragorn and Legolas mooning at each other before Gimli cleared his throat. And, even though Meiyuu thought Aragorn and Legolas looked cute together, he had to admit that what they were *about* to do wasn't exactly appropriate in front of others...
So what had brought about the uncomfortable silence that hung over them all? He saw Frodo shifting his feet uncomfortably. The Hobbit opened his mouth as if to say something... and suddenly shut it again.
Meiyuu was beginning to wonder if Shira had cast a spell over them all. He frowned, fidgeting restlessly. It was just too... awkward, to be stuck in a room with friends who wouldn't meet each other's gazes. He wanted to move, to yell, to do *something* to get rid of that uneasy silence...
What in the name of the Valar was stopping him?
Meiyuu winced, feeling the persistent pull that wanted him to waltz out of Imladris and into Shira's grasp. Oh, yeah. *That* was what was keeping him from doing anything helpful. He was too busy with Shira. Damn you, Shira, he thought silently, struggling not to give into the pull. Tears pricked at his eyes, but he forced the clear liquid back. He *would* not cry.
"Meiyuu, are you all right?" a concerned, lilting voice reached him.
He opened his eyes to look at the gentle-eyed Elf regarding him. Meiyuu nodded. "Yes, I'm fine."
Legolas nodded before turning to the rest of his friends. "You spoke of Aragorn and my leaving for Gondor before. When will that be? Gimli?"
The dwarf in question shrugged and glanced askance at Aragorn.
The Man sighed and thought.
"As soon as the arrangements can be made," Aragorn answered. "Perhaps in..." A sudden thought occurred to him, and he glanced at Meiyuu. "Do you know how to ride?"
"Huh?" the boy blinked, utterly lost by the sudden change of topic. "Ride what?"
"A horse, Meiyuu," Aragorn said impatiently. Haven't you ever ridden one before?"
The only horses in Rivendell were Elf-bred and far stronger and faster than their human-bred counterparts. A boy with no previous experience with horses certainly would *not* be able to handle such a creature. And if Meiyuu had had no experience...
The boy stared at Aragorn blankly.
Aragorn sighed. He had been afraid of that. "You'll have to ride with me then. Or Legolas, if you prefer." He then looked at Frodo and Gimli. "Did Elrond say how long it would take for the others to arrive? I dislike splitting up like this, but the longer we stay here, the more likely that the dark mage will attack Rivendell."
Gimli nodded. "He said that it shouldn't take more than a week at most, and that once Sam, Pippin, Gandalf, and Merry are brought here, we- that is, Frodo and myself- will journey with them to Gondor as well."
Aragorn thought for a moment. "Hm. 'Tis good it won't take more than a week, but that length of time is still too long a wait. I had hoped to wait for them to arrive before we leave... but it seems that's not a possibility now." He thought for a moment longer. "Thus, here is what we will do. It will be best, I think, if Meiyuu, Legolas, and I leave today. The quickness of our departure should, hopefully, confuse Shira and his cohorts for a while. If we're lucky, it should buy us a day or two. It will also distract them from Rivendell."
"But," Frodo began uncertainly, "if they see you leaving... they'll be near enough to catch you!"
Aragorn shook his head, a smile tugging softly at the corners of his mouth. "No, Frodo. For, you see, we'll leave at dusk, under the cover of approaching darkness. Magic-user or not, Shira should not spot us so quickly at night. And *he'll* be too busy preparing to rest for the night to notice our slipping off."
Gimli nodded. "It's a good plan, Aragorn. I suggest you bring those dark-gray elven cloaks with you. I seem to recall they were excellent in hiding a person in shadow."
"It's a good idea, Gimli," Aragorn agreed. He turned to the rest of his friends. "We are agreed then?"
Legolas and Frodo nodded, finding no fault in the plan. Meiyuu, however...The boy remained still, neither uttering nor nodding his approval.
"Meiyuu?" Legolas questioned softly. "Do you agree?"
No, he wanted to scream. I *don't*. I don't agree to this ridiculous plan and... and...
He didn't know what was wrong with him. Why was he so very against this idea? Was it because Aragorn had thought of it? Was it because of the way Aragorn had gone about things? Making all the decisions? Just who did the man think he was?
What he is, a soft voice filled with admiration whispered in the back of Meiyuu's mind. A leader.
A natural-born leader who commanded when he was needed to, taking hold of a dangerous situation and finding a way to make the best of it.
But he made *all* the decision, Meiyuu found himself protesting silently. He didn't even *ask* for anyone else's opinion!
No, that soft, gentle part of his mind whispered back. He didn't. But he didn't need to either. He knew, just as everyone here knew, that anyone who had something to suggest could do so. As Gimli did. And he didn't force anyone to accept his decisions. That was why he asked for everyone's agreement at the very end.
An agreement he had not given. And why?
Because he was jealous? Was that what the bitter, irrational feeling inside him was? Jealousy? But what could I be jealous of, he thought scornfully. What kind of a leader *asks* the people he commands if they agree with him?
One who leads people not only through his decisions, but also through his consideration, his ability to put himself in the clothes of the people he's taken responsibility for. Aragorn was a great leader, Meiyuu realized, because he *understood* those he commanded.
And how Meiyuu wished he could be like that.
"Do you agree with the plan, Meiyuu?" the very man he had been thinking about asked.
The boy nodded, startled. As soon as Aragorn turned away, he ducked his head, suddenly feeling shy in front of the strong man he admired.
Legolas raised his eyebrows in amusement, hard-pressed not to smile as he saw that shy,
wondering look in his young friend's eyes while the latter stared at his lover. The boy was finally beginning to accept Aragorn.
Or so he hoped.
Trying to hide the uncertainty that assailed him, Legolas reached out one agile hand and ruffled Meiyuu's glossy mahogany hair. He chuckled to find the child scowling at him, his nose scrunched up in distaste. Legolas was used to such a reaction, even though he knew that Meiyuu truly didn't mind it as much as he pretended to. "One day your face will get stuck like that, my friend," he warned teasingly.
Meiyuu scoffed, "That'll never happen."
Legolas grinned. "Are you so sure?"
Meiyuu nodded stubbornly, glaring at him with a I'm-not-*that*-gullible look. The Elf's grin only grew wider. He opened his mouth to say something...
"Do *you* remember how to ride, Legolas?" came the unexpected question.
There was a moment of silence, except for the soft snicker that came from a certain dark-haired boy... It was now Legolas' turn to be teased.
"I take it you don't remember?" Aragorn groaned.
Legolas felt his cheeks suffuse with blood. "Only a little..." He blushed.
"That'll be fine," Aragorn soothed.
"Yes," the dwarf added gruffly. "I don't believe you'll have any trouble. You crazy Elves seem to be born on things like trees and horses..."
Legolas choked, trying to keep the laughter bubbling up to his lips *inside* him. "Just as you stupid Dwarves seem to be born with axes in your hands? However, may I add that an axe certainly did not keep you from falling off our horse three years ago? That was *me*, I believe."
Gimli gaped. Nor was he only one to do so. Everyone else in the room was staring at the blond Elf in shock...
With the sole exception of the boy busily braiding Legolas' hair in small, deft movements. Who was so silent, concentrated on the task of twining the silky strands clutched in his hands, that only *now* did everyone notice him. For once, his masks were gone, revealing the inner child that had taken over, replacing Meiyuu's fear and worries over Shira, as he continued in his innocent task, seemingly unaware of everyone who was looking at him.
They all gaped. Even Legolas, who had known Meiyuu for the only three years of life he could fully remember, seemed mildly surprised.
"Legolas..." Aragorn whispered.
"Don't say anything," Legolas cut him off, feeling the gentle tugs on his hair.
"But he's... He's..."
Legolas shook his head, warning the Man against disturbing the child behind him.
The Ranger raised an eyebrow but nodded. Granted, it *was* strange for him to see the normally frightened, stubborn, angry child to look so... so... Well, the only thing that could come to Aragorn's mind was: peaceful. And what a bizarre sight that was. But what a *peaceful* sight that also was. The child, finally content, as he *should* be...
And it looked as if Gimli and Frodo agreed, Aragorn thought, looking up to catch the Dwarf and the Hobbit grinning at each other. If only they could spend the afternoon staring at the momentarily serene boy braiding his best friend's hair...
But they couldn't. Not with an evil mage after them. Aragorn sighed and gestured to Gimli, Legolas, and Frodo. They needed to prepare for the night's events, and were almost finished by the time Elrond came to visit them.
"Tis growing rather late, Aragorn... Have you decided what to do yet?" the ebony-haired elven lord asked worriedly.
"Yes. Legolas, Meiyuu, and I are going to leave for Gondor tonight," Aragorn informed his foster father, standing. "The journey will take a few days, but 'tis as Frodo said: the sooner we leave, the better."
He suddenly noticed the weariness that exuded from Elrond, and his eyes asked a silent question: 'Are you all right?'
"I see... Take whatever you need for your trip," Elrond replied. He nodded to Aragorn's unspoken query, amused that Aragorn could read him so well.
"We have almost everything we need. All that remains is food, a change of clothes, water, horses, and supplies for the horses."
"You shall have that." The lord turned, then, to Legolas. His dark eyes noted the sleeping child against the Elf's right arm. He raised an eyebrow questioningly.
He's fine, just tired, I think, the periwinkle blue eyes replied. Legolas then laid Meiyuu back against the soft pillows and stood as well. "Thank you, Lord Elrond." He bowed gracefully.
"There is no need to do that, my friend," the lord smiled.
Legolas shook his head. "I wish to, my friend."
Impulsively, the Elven lord wrapped his lost friend in a hug, knowing that he would never see the Elf again... He felt slender arms wrap around him comfortingly, consolingly.
"I wish you happiness with your wife, lord Elrond."
Elrond gasped. Legolas *knew*? He withdrew from the embrace, staring at the blond Elf... Legolas knew. The dark-haired Elf felt his heart fill with joy. Legolas' memories were returning to him...
"No! Why?" a young voice interrupted his thoughts.
Startled, both Elves turned to look at the outraged young boy glaring at the Man glaring right back at him.
"You have to ride with me, Meiyuu, because Legolas might not be able to support you! He says he barely remembers how to ride. How will he be able to keep both himself *and* you on the horse?" Aragorn pointedly asked.
Meiyuu stuck out his tongue at him, chagrined beyond thought.
Legolas and Elrond looked at each other...
And burst out laughing.
They were not laughing later.
"What's wrong with the gray horse?" Aragorn moaned.
"I like the white one!"
"Meiyuu..."
"Why can't we take the white one?"
"The gray one's stronger and faster."
"Exactly my point. How do you expect me to ride it?"
"That's what I'm here for, Meiyuu."
"But-"
"No buts." Aragorn glared at the child, exasperation written across his face.
"Fine," Meiyuu capitulated, finally, too tired to argue any longer. He sulked silently, scowling at Aragorn, though he was so tired that he longed to sleep again.
From where he was helping Legolas handle a beautiful chestnut stallion, Elrond frowned. The child seemed... unusually tired. He had surrendered too easily. Much too easily. But then, he reflected, he didn't know Meiyuu too well. Perhaps the child was just tired from the day's activities...Yes, he decided. That was it. It had to be.
Satisfied, he devoted his entire attention to helping Legolas sit on the horse. He was pleased to find the Elf instinctively easing into a comfortable position, taking hold of the dark mane instead of the reins that dangled uselessly at the horse's sides. It looked like Legolas remembered how to ride a horse. Elven-style.
"You can stop squeezing the breath from my lungs now, Meiyuu," a wry voice said, from atop the gray horse a few footsteps away. "You're not going to fall off."
Meiyuu muttered, "So you claim..." The expression on his face proved that he was *not* convinced.
Elrond and Legolas looked at each other again... and burst out laughing.
To be continued