୨⎯ Chapter 8⎯୧
"Paths Unseen"

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THE WINDING staircase led us to Caras Galadhon, where the trees towered above us all. As we approached the grand court, a soft glow surrounded two figures descending to meet us, hand in hand. I recognised them immediately, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, their presence was both majestic and serene.

Celeborn's voice called out, strong and clear. "Nine that are here, yet ten there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him."

We exchanged sad glances, and I found myself unconsciously shuffling closer to Legolas, seeking the comfort of his presence.

Galadriel's piercing gaze swept over us. "He has fallen into shadow," she declared, understanding. "The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all."

I watched as Boromir trembled visibly under Galadriel's gaze, unable to meet her eyes.

"Yet hope remains while the company is true," she reassured us, her voice a soothing balm. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil."

As we settled into our resting area, the melody of elven voices drifted down from the trees, a memorial for Gandalf.

"It's a lament for Gandalf," he murmured softly, his voice tinged with sorrow.

Merry turned to him, curiosity in his eyes. "What do they say about him?"

Legolas's response was filled with a grief too deep for words. "I have not the heart to tell you. For me, the grief is still too near."

As I gazed down from where I had settled, a single tear traced a silent path down my cheek and I quickly wiped it as Legolas settled beside me.

"Liairse," he said softly, his voice tinged with emotion. "There is something I must confess to you."

My heart quickened at his words. "What is it, Legolas?"

He reached out to gently cup my cheek, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. "Lately, I've been having these strange feelings about you. It's like a connection unlike any other," he confessed, his eyes searching mine. "In the midst of darkness, you have been my light. And now, with Gandalfs passing, its made me realise time can be little, even as Elves. I cannot deny the depth of my feelings for you."

"Legolas," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I too have felt something... something profound between us. I find myself drawn to you in ways I cannot fully comprehend. But in truth, I am scared."

He squeezed my hand gently, offering reassurance. "Liairse, there is no need for fear. We will find the strength to overcome any obstacle. Together, we will navigate the uncertainties that lie ahead. I know this engagement wasn't ideal for either of us, but somewhere on this insane journey, I've fallen for you. Let us make this work."

I smiled softly, gripping his hand tightly. "Somehow, I've fallen for you too. We'll make this work, somehow."

Without a word, he leaned in closer, his lips a mere breath away from mine. As our lips met in a delicate kiss, it was as though time itself stood still. Each brush of our lips against the other was a symphony of sensations, and a dance of passion.

Though our tender moment was interrupted by Gimli's gruff voice. "Ay, get a room, you two. No one wants to see you snogging in the middle of the woods."

As we pulled back we exchanged a glance, cheeks tinted with embarrassment. I offered a playful wink to Gimli, teasing, "Fear not, Master Dwarf. We shall refrain from further displays of affection in your presence... for now."

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Days later, as our boats glided through the canyon, Aragorn's voice broke the silence. "Frodo, the Argonath! Long have I desired to look upon the kings of old. My kin."

I looked around in wonder, the site was beautiful. Arriving at the foot of Amon Hen, I noticed Boromir's troubled expression. "Is everything alright, Boromir?" I asked tentatively.

Frodo's look mirrored the unease that settled over our fellowship. "I don't like the feel of this place," he confessed.

As we docked and set on land, Aragorn laid out our plans, but Gimli's grumbling quickly interrupted. "Festering, stinking marshlands far as the eye can see!"

Legolas's quiet insistence on leaving stirred a sense of urgency within me. "I agree with Legolas," I interjected. "We shouldn't linger here any longer than necessary."

Merry's inquiry about Frodo's whereabouts drew our attention. "Where's Frodo?" he asked, his brow furrowing in concern.

I turned to see Boromir's shield with Frodo's belongings. Locking eyes with Aragorn, I knew we both had a bad feeling. Something wasn't right.

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Later, as the fellowship rested, Aragorn approached me as I sat with the Hobbits. "I will go in search of Frodo and Boromir. They cannot be left alone in these perilous woods."

I stood up, concern evident in my voice. "Do you need company, Aragorn?"

But he declined with a grateful smile, disappearing into the shadows of the trees. As I watched him go, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to go wrong. But I knew that the bonds we had forged – particularly the newfound connection between Legolas and myself – would be our strength in the face of the coming storm.

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