longundertree:
Legolas didn’t realize how bright the cell phone had been shining until it became dark and the stars suddenly were the only source of light, pale in comparison. Suddenly remembering where they were he glanced around. It had been thoughtless of him to let Ixto bring out such a bright light when the last thing they wanted was to be seen - they had given their location away as easily as a large fire would have done, if there was anything near to see it. That Legolas had allowed it to happen was unnerving. He must be more tired than he’d thought.
"I - I was travelling", he replied absently. "I live across the mountains, in Greenwood, but there is another elven settlement nearby - the House of Elrond. That’s where I was heading. You know", he said, turning to face Ixto again, "lord Elrond is very generous, and the elves welcome all visitors. Would you not rather come with me than stay here all alone? I mean, it’s not further than you could return whenever you wanted. But I think there’s a small chance you’ll have many more visitors that are as friendly as I am and when winter comes, you’ll have trouble to find food, I believe. There’s not much I can do to thank you for saving me right now, but…" He trailed off, wondering if he’d been too bold."Well, I mean, if you want."
It was a wonderful offer. While Ixto had not met up with other travellers who could speak his language, the thought of following this elf to another unknown land left him a little skeptical. This house he'd acquired truly had been abandoned, and he had put a lot of work into making it his own.Through the dark Ixto gazed at his new garden with a certain fondness that was hard to mistake. He did not want to leave.
"I think your offer is wonderful, but I think I am willing to risk myself here. I may not yet know the dangers of this world, but I can promise you that what comes my way does not yet know the danger of me, either," Ixto answered with a dip of his head. Defending his home was not something he was shy of, and though he had no weapons, he was sure to do fine on his own.
"Though... I would go with you. Perhaps to watch your back while you are injured. I might not stay with this Lord, making new friends, and learning the trails can never hurt. I can always return."
