towerofanimus | His Prejudice for Failure

Characters: Haldir, Legolas, & possibly Gandalf later.
Setting: Room 02-20
Format: Prose or Action, whichever
Summary: Sometimes pride can be a very deadly thing, especially when one values their pride over their own health.
Warnings: PG-13

A look of sorrow settled in the march warden's gaze as he stared at his wounded hands. The burns there have begun to heal, but they healed slowly. There were too many ugly marks lining in-between his fingers, some of which were dark scabs that healed over the last few days. His hands lacked the regal elegance they once bore, now looking to be scraggly and homely. A deep sigh escaped Haldir as he carefully wrapped them in ointment drenched bandages. Despite all his efforts, the march warden realized he would need help. He utterly detests the thought of asking White Wizard for assistance, but it looks as if his options were waning.

Almost done wrapping his hands, Haldir paused once he heard a knock at the door. He had known that the Prince of Mirkwood would make an appearance soon. Since the last time they've spoke, Legolas showed great concern for his well-being. Whether or not Haldir appreciated such concern is another matter all by itself, but the march warden couldn't help but feel somewhat grateful. If it hadn't been for Legolas, the march warden was certain that he would've perished in this hell months ago. Therefore, he honestly cannot claim to dislike the younger elf too much. In truth, he's actually grown quite fond of him.

"Creoso a'baramin, mellonamin." He called out towards the door.

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To hear such an admission from Gandalf was surprising to say the least and Legolas found himself at a loss for words as to how the Maia could possibly be more foolish than the two of them combined. After a moment though, he decided that there were just no words that wouldn't seem foolish themselves.

"I will take very good care of, Haldir." He had no doubts that Haldir would care for his hands much better now after that scare. Even so, he'd make sure that he did and be wary not to cause him any injury while he was still healing. And prove that Haldir was no fool. Merely stubborn. And prideful.

The slight blush that settled upon the march warden's cheeks were apparent. Why was Gandalf teasing him so ruthlessly, and before Legolas no less? This was beyond cruel and Haldir's damaged pride reached new lows. Trying his best not to seem the least bit awkward as he bid them "farewell", Haldir bowed graciously before the wizard before glancing towards Legolas again.

That red hue upon his face deepened for a brief moment before Haldir suddenly bolted out of the door. He could bear no more humiliation, enough was enough! While he was certain that Legolas would follow him, Haldir was at least grateful to know that Gandalf shan't follow. He just needed some time to digest all this, that was all.

Legolas tried to reach out to grab Haldir before he fled but just missed the sleeve of his clothes. Looking concerned, he gave a look to Gandalf before standing and inclinging his head respectfully.

"Forgive me. Excuse me, Gandalf."

And he was gone after Haldir as quickly as his feet would move him. He had no idea where Haldir had run to but he would find him, one way or another. There were only so many places in this tower that he could hide that weren't dangerous at different times of the day. He was already worried.

"Haldir!"

His pride. His stubborn pride.

Even when he seeks to banish it from his mind and soul, Haldir still cannot seem to do so. He honestly understood every word that Gandalf meant, and understood far too well that his selfishness nearly caused his end. But what he didn't quite understand why the two allowed him to become such a burden for them. They didn't need to show such concern for him or to scold him out of fear for his own safety, and yet they both did so willingly. However, what baffled him most was Legolas' unwavering concern for him.

Why does the Prince of Mirkwood care so much about a lowly march warden hailing from the Golden Woods? Why did Legolas seemed so horrified by the appearance of his hands? Why does he seem so tender to him and so---

His thoughts stopped there along with his pace.

Legolas checked any rooms passed for the march warden, even stopped anyone that he might pass to ask if they'd seen him but he just continued to move on without much thought after. All that mattered was finding Haldir. He didn't stop looking until he spotted Haldir, standing still on the next floor.

For a moment, he just watched Haldir with relief flooding into his expression. He was alright. He was safe and hadn't found somewhere to hide from the prince. He didn't look hurt but that didn't stop Legolas from quickly approaching him and stepping in front of him to get a good look.

"Haldir... Why did you run?"

He honestly hadn't noticed Legolas presence until the elf was suddenly standing before him. It was then he glanced up at the other and stared at him for what seemed to be a brief eternity. Haldir didn't know what to say or even how to approach this matter with the subtly it needed. He wanted nothing more than to confess to everything he felt, and thank Legolas from the bottom of his heart. Yet he found himself mute before the prince's presence.

Therefore, instead of saying anything Haldir leaned forward and swept Legolas up in a tight embrace. The march warden wouldn't dare voice his thoughts to him now, he simply couldn't. However, he could at least attempt to express them if nothing else. The two of them were all that was left of their broken realm, the last two elves in existence. Their concern for each other was at first out of friendship alone, but Haldir couldn't lie and claim it was still simply that. So instead of voicing any of these unexpressed thoughts, Haldir just hugged him as tightly as he could.

Don't judge him too harshly, Legolas. He's not used to having anyone care for him so deeply. It's a wondrous but slightly frightening experience for one as aloof as he. Haldir was used to showing concern for others, but not receiving them in return.

The hug surprised him, he hadn't expected it and especially not from Haldir. Not right now. For a moment, he was simply frozen in place before he wrapped his arms back around Haldir and held onto him tightly. Message received, Haldir. Legolas let his eyes fall shut for the duration of the hug and just continued to hug the march warden. His march warden, now.

For all they'd been through together in the tower, it was no wonder that it came to this. There were times he'd have gladly gone back to war than deal with the tower but this made being here worth it.

"Oh, Haldir..." He muttered, very softly.

His Prejudice for Failure

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