The next day, Legolas awoke before the sun to pack the necessary items for their journey. As he packed, his jaw clenched in irritation. Rhavaniel of all people! Couldn't be someone else? No, it just had to be her, he thought. His mind wandered to Ithreon. He had been informed of their departure and no doubt had a good laugh.

Legolas inspected his weapons before securing them on his back. He wore his usual hunting garb: green and brown to blend with his surroundings.

Making his way out of his chambers and to the stable, he spotted Rhaveniel approaching him, and he sunk in his boots. He didn't wait for her to catch up.

"Thranduilion, mea govannen," she greeted as caught up to him. Legolas couldn't tell if she was teasing or not, and Rhavaniel noticed his loathing. "I loathe your company as well, but I am most happy our King saw me fit to join."

Legolas pursued his lips and entered the stable. "Let's hope you don't do anything stupid again," he snapped and strapped his pack onto his horse.

Rhavaniel said nothing. She was grateful his back was turned. Were it not, he would've seen the regret in her eyes. She wanted to apologize and thank him, but her pride was strong. Too many times she made a fool out of herself in front of him, she realized. It couldn't happen again.

She took her own horse, a strong black mare, and mounted. Her own pack was filled with necessary items and already secured on her saddle. She was ready.

Legolas mounted his horse. "Do not forget who is in charge," he said to Rhavaniel before spurring his horse on.

~*~*~

They rode for hours in silence, nothing but the breeze made a sound and the soft clattering of hooves. Their eyes scanned every inch of the dense forest, both knowing the potential danger lurking in these woods. Their mission was to remain unseen and avoid engaging unless unavoidable. Though they were both skilled in combat, they were only two. What are two against dozens? Hundreds?

Late-night had passed. The stars were barely visible through the vast canopy of trees, and the distant sound of chirping crickets filled the air.

Halting their horses, the elves dismounted to rest and eat. They didn't light any fires, not risking bringing attention to themselves. Their eyesight had to make due. Both elves kept their cloaks tightly around them to conceal their outer glow, knowing it attracted orcs like months to bright lights.

Legolas dug into his pack and withdrew enough food for two. He offered Rhavaniel some, but she lifted her hands, showing she had her own.

Legolas wordlessly nodded and stuffed the extra food back into his pack.

They ate in silence sitting on a fallen log some distance from each other. The only sound was the gentle breeze blowing stray leaves across the forest ground. It soon became awkward, and Legolas cast an eye to Rhaveniel to see she was already looking at him. He saw no resentment in her eyes, and he was grateful. Her mouth opened to speak, but she instantly closed it and cast her eyes to the ground.

In truth, Legolas was disappointed. She looked...vulnerable. It wasn't at all like her. He wanted to speak to her, but no words touched his lips. He sighed and brushed the crumbs from his hands.

Rhavaniel finally spoke, but it wasn't the words she wanted to say. "I'll take the first watch," she said simply.

Legolas glanced back at her. He couldn't help but cringe at the last time she 'took watch' but she had grown considerably in the past month. He would give her a chance. He nodded and unrolled his bedroll. Laying down, he decided to trust her and drifted off into a light sleep.

Rhavaniel watched him. He looked so vulnerable laying there in rest. Inside she felt somewhat proud he trusted her enough to guard while he was resting. She gave him no reason to trust her. He was right, she was resentful and envious. Even now she envied him. He could rest without seeing his family torn apart before his eyes. He was at peace, and she never was.

~*~*~

Legolas awoke and sat up. He had rested for an hour, now he would take watch. His eyes searched for Rhavaniel, and he found her still sitting on the log. Her elbows rested on her knees and her chin in her palm. She looked deep in thought.

When Legolas approached, she raised her head. "I'll take watch now," Legolas said. "You may use my bedroll if you wish."

Rhavaniel shook her head and pulled out her own. She went to lie down, but a hand on her arm stopped her. She looked back to see Legolas, concern filled his blue eyes.

"Fëanára, is there something you wish to tell me?"

She frowned at the nickname and shook her head. "No," she said simply and pulled her arm away. She turned her back to him, laid down and closed her eyes.

Legolas sighed and resumed his post. He watched from the corner of his eye. She was strangely secluded. Perhaps it was a good thing seeing he wasn't being called harsh names, but it was odd to see one once so firey turn so quiet. He wanted her to trust him. He wanted her friendship, but both seemed too ignorant to want to work together. Legolas decided he would try harder to earn her trust, and maybe even her friendship.

It hadn't even been an hour when Rhavaniel began to stir. Legolas glanced over at her to see she her back was no longer turned to him. He realized she was still asleep and frowned at seeing her eyes closed. For an elf that wasn't normal. She stirred again and whimpered in her sleep.

Legolas made no sound as he walked over to her and crouched by her bedroll. She was sweating and a tear rolled down her cheek. Legolas' brows furrowed in concern.

He wanted to wake her.

"Naneth... Don't leave," she whimpered so quietly that Legolas had to lean in to catch her words.

Legolas tapped her shoulder and whispered her name. "Rhavaniel?"

She sprung into a sitting position. Her breathing was heavy, and Legolas waited a moment before speaking.

"Rhaveniel?" He reached out a hand and wiped the tear from her cheek.

Rhavaniel wrapped her hands around her knees and began rocking herself. Another restlessness night. Another broken memory...

Legolas, not knowing what else to do, reached for her and pulled her into his arms. He was grateful she didn't push him away. He whispered soothing words to her as he stroked her hair. Her head lay on his chest, and he felt her body quiver, and he wondered what nightmares invaded her mind.

Rhavaniel sunk into his embrace like it was home to her. That sense of peace and comfort filled her heart like it always did when she touched him. She inhaled his forest sent and closed her eyes. It felt too good to be true.

It was as if her consciousness hit her, and she snapped her eyes open. He had seen her weakness. In her mind, she believed Legolas would see her as weak and pathetic now. Acting out of impulse, she reluctantly brought her hands up and not for the first time, pushed Legolas away. And immediately she regretted it.

Legolas bit back his tongue and let out a forced breath. He was hurt by her constant rejection, and he almost wanted to give up. Every time he thought she would open up to him, she pushed him away, and it cut him deep for reasons he knew not.

Translations:Fëanára:  spirit of flame. Naneth: mother. Mea govannen: well met

Word Count: 1,306

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