omg i wrote this years ago, there are about a million mistakes and it's sorta embarrassing reading back on this, like wow i actually wrote this haha

but pls do tell me what you think about it too - your opinion really matters to me, it helps in keeping me hooked on writing more for you guys :)

***

LEGOLAS WATCHED bemusedly as Pippin sent him a pitiful smile as he passed by him that night. Merry gave him one of hope, as did Sam and Frodo. The ring-bearer even thought to thank him as he retired for the night.

"Are you sure Legolas?" Aragorn had asked before he dozed off into a much awaited sleep.

"Yes, my friend, I shall be fine. You need rest, so go and sleep with the others." 

The man needed no more convincing, for he was already on his way to dreaming.

Boromir had also asked the elf if he needed any help. Which Legolas has immediately said no to, saying he would be fine, and that elves could last days without sleep, food and water. Boromir had only nodded, leaving the elf be. The man and elf hadn't gotten on too well. Legolas could sense the power of the ring as well as the whole fellowship. Yet it seemed to the elf, that a certain man felt the need to protect his people govern his mind, and in turn maybe use the ring to help him succeed in his goal. Legolas couldn't be sure, though he had his reasons to stay aware of what the man was up to. He wouldn't let Boromir near Frodo after what he had seen at the council.

Gimli had only snorted at the elf's proclamation on taking night watch duty ALL night. The dwarf had also muttered something along the lines of 'show off', before returning to where he would be sleeping for the night. Legolas had shook it of, but did feel a tad bit disheartened. He hated dwarves, there was no guarantee over that, but he wanted to try come to some understanding with Gimli. He couldn't let their irrelevant banter come between their quest.

Gandalf merrily nodded towards the elf, showing gratitude, for he knew the others would need to sleep well this night, for the next day they would have to shovel through knee high (waist high for the hobbits) snow, whilst Legolas would be able to walk over it with no problem. So it seemed fit that said elf take the night watch.

"Thank you Legolas." Gandalf spoke gently, patting the elf's back as he walked over to where he would be sleeping.

"Wake me if anything should happen." The wizard smiled, then added, "Better safe than sorry, hmm?"

Legolas nodded, "I shall, goodnight Mithrandir."

"Goodnight Greenleaf."

The night was silent, which added to Legolas' suspicions on something feeling wrong. He had felt it during the day, and continued to feel the cold chills running up and down his spine. This is why had had decided to take watch all night. He didn't want any of the others having to deal with fighting anything horrid, half-asleep.

He knew he would be alert and upright throughout the silent night, and would be able to hopefully protect the others from any evil.

Legolas silently jumped up, clinging onto a low tree branch, flipping himself upwards so that his legs wrapped around the branch as he turned around to sit on it. He figured he would go higher up the tree later through the night. Normally he would share the watch with either Sam or Pippin and would later swap with Aragorn and Frodo. Today however, he would be alone.

It's not that he hadn't watched all night before that worried him; but the bitter fact that he may fail this time, plagued his mind.

What if he was unable to defend them all from the foe?

What if he missed the arrival of any danger lurking in the dark?

What if he fell asleep?

What if... What if...

Legolas dismissed all his doubts, focusing solely on his surroundings; watching and listening for any signs of danger. Night watches were usually peaceful for him, yet this night felt odd. The air, the stars.. it all seemed to be far too perfect; not that he was complaining.

A few hours passed, and the elf was beginning to feel that maybe he had misjudged the situation; and that he had merrily been imagining the danger, or whatever else he had thought would interrupt the peaceful night.

Maybe it really was safe, the fellowship were safe. This comforted his troubled mind greatly, as he relaxed a little, leaning against the main tree trunk with a small smile playing on his face.

He had climbed higher over the hours and was now perched upon the highest branch of the tree. It allowed him to gaze clearly upon the fellowship. The night seemed to wash over him, as he began to enjoy the stars light and the soft breeze.

"Ai, you must be more discreet, Rutherford!"

Legolas shot up, listening intently, immediately looking down to make sure everyone was safe.

"I am Isen! But you said he would be here."

Legolas frowned in confusion. Who was speaking?

He lightly jumped down from the branch, landing delicately on the one bellow. He made his descend, clutching one of his knives in his right hand. Once reaching the bottom, he saw two small boys staring up at him with wide eyes.

The elf frowned. "Who are you?" He still held his knife, but had loosened his grip slightly at the sight of both the young boys.

The taller one answered shakily. "I'm Isen, and this," he pointed to the younger and shorter one. "Is Rutherford."

Legolas stared at the two, wondering how they got here. In the middle of NO WHERE.

The elf stayed quiet for a bit then decided to question them further. "What brings you both here?"

This time Rutherford answered. "We wanted to go on an adventure like Mineth," he said excitably. 

At Legolas' confused expression, Isen quickly added, "He's our older brother, and is a traveler... just like you are, I think. He said he had gone on an adventure to a large mountain made entirely of rock and ice, so Rutherford and I set out to go on one ourselves!"

"You should not have done that. It is very dangerous out here," Legolas whispered, stunned by both the boys. They reminded him of how he was in his youth. So brazen, so in love with the world, with danger, with adventure.

"You both should turn and go back home. This is no place to be for children as young as you both."

"Please, Mr Elf, can you take us on a small adventure? We'll go back home after it is over, we promise," Rutherford whined with a sparkle in his eyes, looking up at Legolas with big, hopeful eyes.

"Yeah please, we promise," Isen immediately agreed.

Legolas knew he had to stay and watch over the fellowship, yet he felt bad for the two boys, he knew what it was like to be locked inside, not allowed to go out on any adventures. He truly hated it. He couldn't leave the company alone though... could he?

"Okay, fine. But we must be back soon, and then you both will go back to your town or city right afterwords. Do you both promise?" he asked, knowing this wouldn't end well.

"Yes!" They both yelled, only to be shushed by the elf, telling them they had to stay silent if they wished to go on an adventure. Rutherford and Isen both nodded, very excited for what was to come. They watched the elf pad lightly towards the company's side and grab a few items before returning back to their side.

Legolas signaled the boys to follow him. The three of them silently left the sleeping fellowship as they made for a nearby waterfall that Legolas figured would be appropriate for an 'adventure'.

"Where are we going, Mr Elf?" Rutherford asked curiously, as they dodged logs and shrubs.

Legolas abruptly stopped and turned to face the boys. "A lake," he said. His eyes flickered from the surrounding trees, then came to land on Rutherford and Isen. "You'll both see why, soon enough."

The two boys controlled their giddiness as they kept up with the elf's lengthy strides. Rutherford looked up at his older brother, Isen and smiled. They were finally getting an adventure! Isen returned the smile, then looked back down to the ground.

They soon came to a clearing in the forest. They could hear the running of water and soft chirping of Honey Bugs. Isen looked on anxiously, for he had never seen a Honey Bug before. They were quite rare from where they came.

Rutherford and Isen looked around in awe. It was magical. Everything held a soft glow to it, and the center waterfall looked as though it had been delicately made by the most magical, elegant beings.

ELVES.

They looked toward Legolas, mouths open wide.

Isen was the first to say something. "This is... real beauty, I think."

Legolas gave the boy a mischievous smile, and Isen swore he saw a glint in the elf's clear cerulean eyes.

"Thank you, Mr Elf, for bringing both my brother and I here." Isen placed his hand over his heart, inclining his head formally in gratitude.

"You're most welcome." Legolas laughed cheerfully, for he was happy for the two boys. "But please, call me Legolas."

Isen's eyes narrowed, as though he was trying to identify the name, whilst Rutherford answered the elf. "Okay, Mr Legolas."

The elf's smile faltered. Sam would always call him 'Mr Legolas'. He had left them alone. Maybe it was time he departed. Looking to see the two boys splashing one another with water, he whispered his farewell. "Goodbye, may we meet again soon." 

He then made his departure, wishing he could stay back and care for the young boys. But he couldn't, he had vowed to protect Frodo and the fellowship, and nothing could make him stray further from his duty.

Tiredly the elf ran back to their camp. He was allowed to now use his normal speed, as he didn't need to worry about two boys being able to keep up.

He was able to make good time, and reached their camp within a half hour or so. He felt himself sigh out in relief, when seeing the fellowship safe and sound, sleeping comfortably.

Unfortunately for him, his sigh woke Merry up.

The hobbit shuffled restlessly, before opening his weary eyes. Legolas sensing the hobbits movements, did the first thing that came to mind, and began to sing.

He sang about the sea, and what it did to his kind. His voice rung out melodiously, putting the hobbit back to sleep, within a few short moments.

Legolas stopped a while after ending his song short.

He didn't want to deal with anything else; just take care of his duty of the night watch.

He was just so relived when seeing his friends all right. He would never be able to forgive himself had anything unpleasant happened during his absence.

He decided to stay on the ground this time. He rested his back along a think tree trunk, watching, stuck in deep thought, which mostly revolved around his careless actions earlier.

THUMP

Legolas stood upright, knife unsheathed as he looked for any signs of orcs or other gruesome creatures that happened to lurk in the shadows.

What he saw though, shocked him terribly. He almost began to laugh. 

Gandalf had fallen over a pine cone, and seemed to be throwing curses to his staff in all languages. Stifling a small smile, the elf went to help the Istari up. The wizard mumbled a soft 'thank you', whilst being pulled up to his feet by the elf, who had his lips pressed together tightly.

"Fool of a pine cone," was all the wizard said, before hobbling towards his sleeping spot, laying down. Legolas also retreated to his tree.

The wizard kept moving, annoying an already restless and irate Legolas, who tried ignoring the loud noises that boomed in his ear.

"Gandalf? Are you not able to fall back to sleep?" He asked, frustrated by the noises.

A sigh was heard, as the wizard uttered out a small "no".

"Shall I sing for you?"

"Yes."

Legolas nodded mostly to himself, beginning the song he hadn't been able to finish for Merry. He figure he should have sang about something much sweater and merrier, but he really wanted to get back to watching out for danger, and not putting wizards and hobbits back to sleep with a depressing song about the call of the sea.

After a treacherous few minutes of Gandalf shuffling mercilessly, the wizard seemed to have finally fallen asleep.

Legolas stopped singing, not bothering to even conclude his song. He decided to sharpen his arrow tips to let time pass faster.

He was on his thirtieth arrow, when he heard Frodo call out, "Legolas?"

Legolas stifled a groan. "Yes Frodo."

"Do you happen to have any water on you?"

The elf went to check his water skin, leaving his arrows and hunting knife by the tree.

It was empty thanks to his luck.

"I'll go get some, wait right here." He ordered the hobbit, reluctantly collecting Frodo's and his own water skin.

This really wasn't his night. All he wanted was to watch for danger, maybe slaughter a few orcs, and then for it to be morning soon after slaughtering the orcs.

Legolas walked through the forest, hoping the boys had left the waterfall, if not he had some explaining to do.

~~~

Legolas peeked at the two boys from behind a bush, knowing he had to be quick and speedy to get back to the camp in time, and give Frodo his water skin.

Without a plan he rushed out, unscrewing the water skins, filling it up hurriedly. Unfortunately for him, the two boys saw and rushed to his side grinning widely.

"Legolas, sir! Where had you gone?" Rutherford asked, breathing heavily as he sat down next to the elf.

"Oh, back to guarding."

Rutherford nodded, understandingly.

"So, I guess this is goodbye?" Isen whispered.

Legolas looked down, then turned over so that he was facing the two boys.

"I do hope we meet soon young ones."

"Same here, Mr Legolas." Rutherford smiled.

Then it hit. Isen's head shot up in wonder. "You're a prince! Are you not?"

Legolas smiled, lip curling sweetly. "Yes, but that is not important. You two must leave soon. Use the cover of night to get back to your town."

Isen grinned. "Yes, your majesty."

Normally Isen would never jest with one of noble blood but with Legolas he felt safe. The elf had left his duty just to present them with an adventure. He definitely felt comfortable with the elf prince.

Legolas laughed, ruffling the young boy's hair. "Leave now, and may the Valor keep you safe from any form of danger."

Rutherford and Isen thanked the elf, hugging him unexpectedly, which Legolas returned happily.

Running, was his main focus. He held onto two full water skins as he raced through the forest.

~~~

"Thank you, Legolas!" Frodo cried, taking up the full water skin that the elf had just handed him.

"Your most welcome, Frodo. Now please sleep, you will need all the rest, for tomorrow shall not be easy to endure."

"Thank you, really. And also thank you for taking watch all night, letting us all rest peacefully."

"It is my pleasure, Frodo." Legolas smiled, turning from the hobbit, reaching for a branch to lift himself up onto the tree's thick boughs.

"Wait!"

Legolas whipped his head to face the hobbit, concerned that something has befallen the ring-bearer. "Is everything alright Frodo?"

"Yes - uh, could you sing, if it is alright with you..." Frodo asked shyly.

"Of course," Legolas replied, smiling softly.

"Thank you."

So he sang. He sang of the sea, for it was the only song he knew perfectly, and hadn't forgotten the words to.

~~~

"Stupid bugs, all over, everywhere."

Legolas stopped humming his song. Who had woken up NOW?

"Curses to those devil bugs!"

"Master Dwarf, are you alright?" he asked, once recognising the voice as Gimli's.

More muttering followed, "That blasted elf, this is all his fault."

Legolas rolled his eyes. "I can hear you Gimli."

"Well in that case, would you care to explain why my face is covered in Honey Bug fuzz!"

Legolas frowned. "I have had no part in pranks involving Honey Bugs, not since I was a mere elfling."

"Oh, am I to assume Gandalf did it then?" Gimli scoffed.

"Master dwarf, please let me help you."

Legolas hopped down from the tree, landing in a smooth crouch. He collected a few cloths from his rug sack, wetting them with some of his water. Making sure the cloths were all wet, he hesitantly walked to the dwarf, who was seething angrily.

"Stay still," Legolas ordered, crouching down, wiping at the fuzz that coated Gimli's forehead and upper cheek. Gimli turned red, but didn't protest as the elf began to wipe his face gently.

Once Legolas was done, he withdrew his hand and bundled up the cloths, that now needed a good washing. "Well, your all clean master dwarf."

"All thanks to you lad." Gimli smiled, then cleared his throat. "Best be off to sleep," he mumbled.

"Goodnight master dwa- Did you just call me lad?" Legolas whipped his head to face the dwarf. "I'll have you know, I am many years older than you."

"I know. Yet you still sing of the sea."

Legolas frowned. He didn't have any desire to leave Middle Earth. He reckoned Gimli had heard him sing for Frodo and Gandalf.

"Would you like to hear it Gimli?" He smirked, laughing out at Gimli's flushed face. "Do not feel embarrassed master dwarf. If your desire is to hear me sing, you need not have to ask, for I shall sing for thee," he teased, reaching for a branch. Soon he was resting on a smooth thick branch.

And for the fourth time that night, Legolas sang of the sea. He wondered how it felt to be victim of the sea's calling. He thought of the sea's calling to be a curse his kind had to endure and answer. It had brought nothing but pain and 'goodbyes' for his people. Yet here he was singing on how he yearned to answer the call. When it was quite the opposite.

The elf silently laughed to himself. Oh the irony...

~~~

Legolas had had it with the fellowship. He was annoyed... Nay, he was FURIOUS. Though he tried not to show it, Aragorn had suspected something to be amiss. The ranger had been left in the dark. Not literally. He felt like everyone knew something, and he had yet to find out what it was. He figured it had something to do with Legolas' night watch.

The fellowship had been sending the elf odd looks throughout the whole morning. They had constantly tried to 'cheer' him up and 'distract' him. Of what, Legolas didn't know. He planned on finding out.

It had gotten too much.

"Are you sure? I can take watch, Mr Legolas." Sam argued. The name brought back memories of the two boys, but no- he was getting distracted. 

"Nay Sam, I am only guarding the border of our camp. There is no need for worrying." Legolas reasoned with the Hobbit. 

"But... Mr Legolas, none of us want you to be alone...'specially when your feeling the strong urges." The last part was whispered but Legolas was an elf, and so he heard the words loud and clear. 

Snapping his head to stare at Sam in bewilderment, he repeated, "Strong urges?" And with wide eyes asked, "Whatever do you mean Samwise?"

Now it was Sam's turn to feel surprised. He frowned deeply. "Gimli and Mr Frodo said you were having them, and that we should keep an eye out on you." He ignored the confused look Legolas gave him. "Even Gandalf agreed with them," Sam said in hopes of backing up his argument.

"Sam, I am not sure I quite understand-" Legolas began, but was cut off my a loud laugh from Gimli. The dwarf walked to where the hobbit and elf were conversing, still chuckling gruffly.

"Don't act innocent lad." Gimli smiled, comfortingly. "We all know what your going through."

Legolas wanted to yell out that he was alright, and that he had no idea whatsoever what they were talking about. He was fine!

"There is nothing wrong with me," he said, trying to get his friends to see reason.

By now the others had joined the small group of three.

"You needn't hide it Legola-" Frodo spoke.

"I am not, there is really nothing wrong!" The elf spoke up, beginning to feel frustrated.

"But you sang of the sea... thrice," Frodo said quietly. The elf turned to stare at the hobbit in wonder.

"Well, actually four times," Gandalf blushed beneath his beard. 

So this was why they had been treating him so...delicately. They thought he was suffering under the call of the sea. O Valar...

"Nay, nay, my friends, you are all mistaken! I suffer not from under the call of the sea." He sighed, continuing, "I was merrily singing that one song, because I..." He turned red, hesitating to continue.

"Because you what?" Aragorn asked skeptically beginning to understand what was happening. The man covered his laugh by coughing into his dirty palm.

"I have forgotten all the others."

Merry began to chuckled, Pippin following in suite. Soon they were all laughing at the elf. Legolas chewed his lip, shaking his head. Aragorn finally gave in and joined the others in adding to the merriment.

"I cannot believe we all thought you were suffering, when you had only forgotten to memories other songs." Boromir laughed. The others all nodded, grinning widely.

Gandalf then spoke up, laughing at the embarrassed elf. "What really happened last night?" he questioned the elf, "I think we all want to know."

Legolas smiled, lips curling, a glint appearing in his pale blue eyes. "Do not ask."

THE END

***

yeahh... hope that wasn't too cringy? i'm so sorry! haha 

but let me know, please how it was for you? i really am curious whether you guys liked it or not