Always

The early autumn air held a powerful chill as Legolas Greenleaf settled in next to his small campfire ; he turned the spit with the hare roasting over the low flames and picked at a bit of the crisp flesh , popping it into his mouth . Over two years had passed since the Ring had been destroyed , and the Fellowship had broken up . He had returned to Mirkwood with hopes if picking up the life he had left behind , but had found it sorely lacking in anything close to adventure . He found traveling alone to be a poor substitute for the companionship of the friends he had made on the Journey , but it was preferable to spending his days sulking around the palace that had once been his home . The elf prince had become restless , wanderlust burning in blo blood , and the open sky offered him a welcome roof under which to lay his head .

The snows would be coming soon , and Legolas knew he should find someplace to winter . He should go home , home to Mirkwood , home to his people . But the thought of spending the endless months in the palace caused an ache in his heart as sharp as the piercing of one of his own arrows . No , better to travel , until the weather forced him to stop . Perhaps he could make it to visit with his old friend Aragorn ? He took a deep drink of sweet red wine from the skin beside him , and took the rabbit off the spit , ripping a leg off and biting into the tender flesh . He gazed up at the stars twinkling in the midnight blue sky . Night after night , he had lain alone under those same stars , so often he felt he could call each one by name .

After eating his fill , Legolas settled back down into his bedding , using his saddle as a pillow . He pulled the blanket up around his ears to ward off the chilled air listening to the wind rustling through the leaves still clinging to the trees , and fell asleep to Nature’s own lullaby .
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The slender figure crept through the forest carefully , peering out into the clearing toward the dying embers of the campfire . A dapple grey horse was hobbled nearby , and a single figure slept near the fire , long pale blonde hair shimmering in the moonlight . A woman traveling alone ? It was unusual , but not unheard of . From the looks of the fine horse and equipment , it was a woman of some wealth . An easy mark .

Quiet as a shadow , the intruder crept into Legolas’ camp , going first to the pack against a large boulder and rifling through it . There was little of value to be found there , clothing and several books . A beautiful gold and enamel pin in the shape of an ivy leaf was pocketed , and the thief moved on . The horse’s bridle was adorned with silver , and would be worth good coin ; it was slipped quietly beneath the rough woven cloak , over the shoulder to be clasped closely to the body to keep it from rattling . The thief moved with care closer to the sleeping figure ; from beneath the blankets , the handle of a fine dagger was exposed , tooled with gold , decorated with jewels and enamel . It was obviously by far the most valuable item thus far , and the burglar’s fingers almost literally itched to feel it . Crouching down , a pale hand slipped from beneath the folds of the dark cloak , inching closer to the prize .

Quick as a striking adder , Legolas rolled over and his strong hand whipped out , grasping the would-be thief’s wrist in an iron-like grasp and drawing his dagger with the other hand in one smooth , gracefutiontion . He pushed the struggling , cloaked figure back into the leaf litter and sprung , a knee on either side of the young man , effectively pinning him to the ground . The captured thief gave an animal-like growl and lunged forward beneath Legolas , sinking his teeth into Legolas’ wrist . Legolas cursed in elvish , involuntarily dropping the knife , and striking his attacker with his free hand . The slender boy beneath him rolled onto his belly , scrambling away , and Legolas made a grab , grasping a handful of the rough woolen cloak . The hood fell away and the thief gave a small cry , long wavy hair spilling out . Legolas grabbed the ‘boy’s’ shoulder and pushed him back onto his back , still straddling the slender waist . He found himself looking down , not into the face of the young man he was expecting , but instead into the wide green eyes of a very frightened , very beautiful young woman .

(Please read & review ... this is my first attempt at FanFic . A short , slow beginning , but it will be spicing up soon !)