"I need to go look around. Shadow, stay with the Hobbits and protect them," said Aragorn before leaving to patrol the area.
As soon as he was out of earshot, the Hobbits formed a circle around Legolas.
"So tell us, are you and Strider lovers?" asked Pippin.
Legolas, who was drinking out of his waterskin, promptly choked at the question and started coughing. When he finished, he was glad he was wearing his mask because he could feel himself blushing crimson.
"No, we are just friends. I was his mentor when he was younger," stammered Legolas. He did not know why he answered them at all. It really was none of their business.