The present could hardly be described as a time kinder than others, but at this instant, it seemed especially cruel. After having seen Legolas through the window the night before, and having had Lord Elrond speak to him this morning about the reasons for the Prince's presence, Aragorn acknowledged the necessity of their strategic reunion now. Yet, it was crueler than he might have expected, had he guessed a meeting would take place. He had forgotten how tangible the ache in his chest was during these long years of distance between them.

He had spent these years leaving Estel and his first love behind him, becoming a Ranger and traveling across Middle Earth.

In the hours before the council had gathered today, their silence around each other, beyond matters of practicality, was awkward. They did not wish to disturb it, though. During the entire previous night, Aragorn knew the exact number of steps it would take him to reach Legolas' room.

He took them, one by one, in his mind. He had wished that the morning would hasten its arrival and bring with it the council gathering and following it, Legolas' departure.

When he woke up this morning, he had no idea when it was that he had fallen asleep. Worse yet, this day has been a complete mystery to him in terms of how had he made it through the preparations for the gathering. Now, as he was sitting there, raising his head up but never looking straight forward to the seat of Mirkwood’s Elven representative, he wasn't truly sure it was he who had been making all those preparations at all.

Here, he was completely focused on the matters discussed his concentration sharper than ever. They spoke of deeds that must be done, actions that must be taken. There were some who might have said that they were merely tossing about words. Aragorn already knew, however, that words can shatter worlds.

“He is no mere Ranger!” The Elven Prince proclaimed in an uncharacteristic outburst. "He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn." The man's gaze settled on the Elf. Only they two and Elrond knew what loyalty lay behind this declaration and what a price Legolas had paid for it to be meaningful to those present. "You owe him your allegiance."

He asked Legolas to sit, relieved by the knowledge that he could count on the Elf's support and yet, disturbed.

What had been whispering in Aragorn since he had again set his eyes on Legolas now became an unrepentant howl. There was an ember which refused to die with the fire and meant that it could still be rekindled. The man wondered whether they would spend this coming night apart as well.

To be continued...