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The Loudwater River sparkled in the sunshine, and he looked down on it in two minds. Should he, or should he not? Looking round him he decided that since everyone else was eating, sleeping or learning how to use a blade, they would not miss him for a few minutes. And no one was nearby to watch him, either. Elves had a shy side, and this one was no exception.

Lifting his bow over his head, he divested himself of his weapons and fingers swiftly made light work of the numerous buttons of his tunic. Within a minute his clothes lay on the heather and he stepped closer to the water, the sun glinting on his slim, lithe body, well formed muscles rippling as he moved. He took in a deep breath, savouring the feel of fresh air on his skin, unaware that eyes were already on him.

The eyes, who’s owner had already noted his absence, watched the pale figure dive into the water. He stood transfixed, watching the naked form slip silently through the slow-moving pool, unable to turn away. His first thought on seeing Legolas missing from the camp was that he had abandoned the fellowship; he did not trust elves. But here, he could see that the elf was enjoying a quiet moment bathing. He huffed softly, trust an elf to think of bathing when they should be getting on with other things. He watched him move through the water with such ease that had he not known better, he could have sworn it was an over-sized pike in the river cavorting just beneath the surface.

Slowly the annoyance abated as the elf’s head popped up out of the water, shaking the drops from his face, then fishlike he turned bottom up and slowly disappeared beneath the surface. Gimli’s eyes popped wide at the sight; bare ass cheeks slowly rose and then fell from view in a slow roll. He coughed, his breath caught in his throat. For several minutes he hoped Legolas would reappear, and give him another glimpse, and then silently chastised himself for thinking such thoughts.

Moments later an agile form shot up from the water and landed on his feet on the edge of the bank, the water ran down his body in rivulets, dripping from hair and fingers as he stood there as naked as the day he was born. He had no towel, instead he picked a giant leaf from a plant nearby, and began to use its furry underside to dry himself. He had barely started when a sound caught his attention. He looked up in sudden alarm, a sharp indrawn breath sounding in his throat. At first he saw nothing, but his instincts told him that someone had been standing there not long before.

He bit his lip in consternation and dressed quickly, wondering who it could have been. Evidently it was not an enemy, all his belongings and weapons were still accounted for, and the others had not called for his help. It had to have been one of the Fellowship. The reason why was baffling. Did they call and he didn’t hear? Did they come looking for him and couldn’t find him? Or worse, did find him?

Legolas quickly dressed and set the bow across his chest again and swallowed, his first ever blush rising hotly up his cheeks. As nonchalantly as possible, he stepped up the embankment and reclaimed the spot he had been surveying the land from before his bath. No one said a word, still taking part in the same activities they had been indulging in before he left. Perhaps it had been a rabbit, he decided, and calmed the racing of his heart. He had got away with it after all.

Merry came up to him wearing a huge smile, offering him something to eat, which he accepted with thanks. With a grateful sigh he approached the group and sat with them. It was beginning to get dark, and as sleep was far from his troubled mind, Legolas took first watch. As he stood guard over them a small voice drifted up over the glow of the fire.

“At least Elven hair dries quicker than dwarf hair.”

Seven heads rose to look at Gimli and then at the elf in the growing darkness. Legolas cringed, but dignity prevented him from meeting the blue eyes that burned into his back, and more so the surprised looks of the others. Next time he would make sure he really was alone.

El fin

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