Chapter Text
Chapter 1
A Great and Pointless Last Night
There is a great many caverns under Rivendell. So many great places to hide should there be war, or places merely to think when no one will let you. I find myself hiding in an art hall quite often. Tonight, I am not alone.
"Strange to see you here tonight Aragorn," I say. My voice bounces of the walls. Little more than a whisper can alert the entirety of Rivendell to your presence. I have made a mistake on being louder.
"And you as well, Legolas. What brings you so deep into these tunnels so late at night?"
"I could not sleep. My mind is too full of thoughts and worries. After all, there is much to think about."
"Indeed. And what thoughts plague you?" Aragorn is quieter than I. He makes no mistake. Nor does he try to divulge my presence to anyone else. We all need a quiet place to think tonight.
"Everything," I answer, "And nothing. Everything we may face is nothing we can control. And yet, the fears may not be named irrational. What brings you here tonight Aragorn?"
"I was simply thinking of what I was leaving. I made a promise Legolas. One I cannot be certain to keep."
"And what would that be?" My eyes finally meet his. He's standing while I sit defeatedly on the ground staring at nothing and drawing pictures in the settling dust with an arrow. I am no picture of elven royalty tonight. I must enjoy my last night before the quest as who I am. Not as who I was raised.
"I promised to come back. I promised to come back for Arwen. She gave up her immortal life for me and I don't even know if I will ever come home." His eyes are in a faraway place; probably with Arwen.
I get to my feet, my sheath of arrows rattling as I do so. "You'll come back. I'll make sure of it," and I leave the room for my quarters. I have thought enough for tonight.
I head back to my quarters with a feeling of panic building inside me. Panic: not at my upcoming mission but over the jealousy that overtook me when Aragorn mentioned Arwen. Whether or not he comes home, he'll have someone to come home to. If I die in my absence, I will never have the chance. I will never have someone to come home to whether I live or die. So what does it matter whether I die or not?