Courting Death

The fellowship sat std byd by Legolas' w, by, by his thoughts.
*How could such a perfect being think he was a failure?* Frodo
wondered. He idolized the elf, he thought that Legolas was the best one in
the fellowship.
Aragorn sat silently thinking about his friends words. He had always
known that Thranduil was a hard man. But how could he say those things
about his own son? Legolas was an excellent fighter, good friend, loyal
and true. But years of put downs, name calling, and much worse had
tainted his self worth. He believed what his father told him, what others
said did not matter. No one knew what to say to Legolas, let alone what to
do. He had bared his soul and they did not know how to lessen his pain.
He sat across form them crying and wishing he was dead.
*What can we do to help him?* Frodo thought sadly. He suspected that
whatever they did Legolas would fight them. He thought that he had no
friends, that he was cold, and arrogant.
"Legolas you are my friend and I don't think that you are distant, cold,
unforgiving, stubborn, and hateful. I definitely do not consider you a
failure. I think your father is a pompous pig headed asshole for saying
those things to his own son! And I'll let you in on a secret........everyone is
flawed.........even kings and princes." Aragorn said suddenly and quietly.
The rest of the fellowship nodded, agreeing with him. Legolas looked up
at them, hope glimmered in his eyes.ou aou all are really my friends?" he
asked hopefully.
Frodo got up and walked over to Legolas, kneeling next to him he gave
him a hug. "Yes we are really your friends."
Legolas smiled for the first time in 60 years and felt that everything would
be alright. As Frodo sat back down Aragorn handed Legolas a cup of hot
tea.
"Drink this Legolas and then rest you still have a long way to go before
you are completely healed." *In body and spirit.* he longed to say. "We
will stay here for today. I suggest everyone rest today."

Later that night

Aragorn sat watching the fellowship sleep, he had taken the first watch.
Mostly because he was worried about Legolas. Aragorn knew that
Thranduil had not been an attentive father but he had no idea he was an
abusive father. He had mentally abused his son for close to three thous
ye
years! If Aragorn ever saw or heard Thranduil putting Legolas down he
would kill him, kill him very slowly. Aragorn heard a rustle and he
glanced around looking to see if anything was amiss. He saw Legolas get
up and walk toward the forest. Fear had Aragorn following him. Fear of
what Legolas would do to himself, and fear of what he wouldn't do. He
saw Legolas sit under a tree near where Aragorn had found him. He saw
Legolas pull out his dagger (where he got it Aragorn didn't know) and
place it on his right arm. Aragorn knelt next to Legolas and he put his hand
over Legolas'. Legolas looked at him, despair in his eyes.
"I am not trying to kill my self........I just need to get rid of the pain." he
said sadly.
"I can think of better ways to get rid of the pain....." Aragorn replied as he
took the dagger from Legolas.
"How?"
"Like this........." Aragorn said as he framed Legolas' face with his hands,
he then leaforwforward and kissed Legolas' lips softly.

To Be Continued................