Chapter 7
Legolas watched Loki with rapt attention as he regaled his story to the youngest hobbits. The other definitely had a way with words. The magic that he was using to illuminate the flames was certainly something that he had never seen before, but it gave the story life. The story itself was highly interesting. A story of two brothers, once extremely close, slowly drifting apart because of the overall arrogance of the first, and the mistreatment of the second. It was a dark tale, but the boy wove it in such a way that it did not come off as that dark as it was. There was a false sense of joviality in the other's tone, giving it a feel as if it were less serious than it truly was. As if it were only a fairy tale.
But Legolas knew better. He could see that it was true, because of the detail that was woven in the tale. the other's face also gave clues. His voice at times would catch as though he were forcing himself not to regale or relive some of these moments, as though it were almost too much for him to share this tale.
Then there was the ending. It most certainly was hastily finished, for whatever reason. The other had said that the stories he tells were not meant for happy situations, and as such, he was clearly not used to ending stories on a positive not. Perhaps that is why the ending was quite poorly put together in comparison to the rest of the story, which was alive with so much detail that one could envision it in their head. Though the fiery illusion that played out the words in which he spoke were also definitely helpful on that point.
Legolas had a feeling that the other was sharing a piece of him, that he normally would not share with any other, yet hiding it in a sense of 'this is just a story'. And indeed, if any were to ask him, that is likely what he would say in more or less words. It is just a story. None could prove otherwise, and to try to do so would be inane on their part. They would get nowhere. Legolas was of the opinion that this was precisely what he wanted. Plus, should any of the younglings ask any questions, he would be able to laugh it off and tell them it was simply a story. He would not be lying, but the reality of it, that it was a true story, would remain hidden. He was definitely curious as to how he would handle the others questions in the morning.
Legolas could not help but think that there was definitely something about this man. Something strange, perhaps a bit dangerous, but nonetheless, he had a deep feeling of sorrow coming from him. The other certainly was not old, at least in human terms, only fifteenish, yet he seemed to have gone through much, and have a very mature aura about him, as though he knew about the darkness in the world, and he understood it, not just knew about it.
Many can know about the darkness. A simple history lesson is all one needs to know darkness. To understand it? That was a different story. One must have lived through a dark time or lived through the evil parts of the world to be able to understand that darkness. This...this one was a person who understood the darkness, and for that...for that he was dangerous more so than many would believe.