LOTR || ⤜𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙩 → [Legolas x OC]

⤜ 5 → a warrior's whisper

Hoisting the girl into his arms, rather reluctant at first, Legolas followed the others through the trees. He frowned at the small scratches and wounds upon her face as her head lolled from side to side with every step he took. There was a hint of familiarity in her features, but he could tell no more for the dirt and sweat smeared across her face did well to conceal it.

They trekked for some time and were nearing the borders of the forest. Legolas could faintly see the plain stretch of land beyond the trees. The sun was straight ahead, indicating it was late in the afternoon. They should have been well on their way to Lothlórien by now, had it not been for the ambush and the girl's unexpected appearance. He hurried his pace to walk beside Aragorn and Gimli, both intent on continuing the journey once more.

Aragorn glanced at the girl in the elf's arms beside him. Concern was etched into his expression. "How is she faring, Legolas?" he asked quietly. The man could not deny nor explain the strange sensation of tenderness he felt towards her.

"She is cold to the touch," Legolas explained in a low murmur. "But that is to be expected when one loses so much blood. She will regain consciousness after a few hours, avo drasto mellon nin." (ᴅᴏ ɴᴏᴛ ᴡᴏʀʀʏ ᴍʏ ғʀɪᴇɴᴅ)

The tension Aragorn held had eased a little and he nodded in appreciation. Though the girl's face was still drained of colour and her brows knitted close in distress. A few strands escaping her braid were stuck to her forehead, and he lightly brushed those aside. She was unnaturally cold, as Legolas had mentioned. The small rises and falls of her chest were the only indication she was still alive.

But they did not try to wake her. From his years of being a ranger and encountering similar situations, Aragorn knew it was necessary for the girl to waken when she willed- because if they did try to rouse her themselves, they would most likely risk her falling unconscious again.

However, this one was not an injury severe enough for one to fall into coma. So they let her rest, knowing her energy would be drained more when awake than asleep.

The three finally emerged from the trees and into open land. In the far distance on the left, a faint line of rocky mountains rose high and continued all the way up north. A continuous blanket of mist surrounded them, hence the name Misty Mountains. Opposite them was a vast terrain overrun with wild grass, rocks and the occasional boulder. This stretched on for miles. However, their journey was in line with the mountains up north, straight into Caras Galadon in the depths of Lorien, where the lord and lady of the Woods resided, waiting.

A gentle snort followed by a nickering sound directed Aragorn's attention to two horses standing by the side just off the edges of Fangorn- Arod and Brego, ever the loyal steeds they were. An instant grin lit up his face and he went to pat them across the necks. A jubilant chuckle from the dwarf was also heard as he came running up to the horses.

"Oh thank the Lord!" Gimli exclaimed and reached up to pat Arod on the thigh. A relieved sigh escaped him. "And here I thought we were gonna have to walk all the way to the Golden Woods. I am absolutely wasted on cross-country!"

"Do I hear a complaint of weakness..." Legolas passed by and paused. "...again?" A teasing smirk was flashed Gimli's way. He knew he was testing the dwarf's temper- and he found great amusement in it.

A growl escaped Gimli. "I'll have you know dwarves are natural sprinters," he huffed. "Very dangerous over short distances."

"Lasto i lalaith nin." (ʜᴇᴀʀ ᴍʏ ʟᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ)​​​​​ came the elf's simple retort.

"Argh!" Gimli scowled, turning to Aragorn who looked like he was holding back a laugh. "What did the blasted elf say this time!? Tell me!"

The ranger did not respond and instead turned towards the horses- it was a weak attempt to hide his smile, only agitating the dwarf further. Aragorn grabbed the reigns of Brego and mounted him in one swift motion, blissfully ignoring the fuming dwarf beside him. His horse let out a strong neigh and flicked his mane, pleased to have Aragorn back again.