Well, here you are people. The sequel to 'Living a Lie' – 'New Love and Hope. Crap name, I know, but hey, it's a start. If, when reading this, you think of anything better, please tell me. The ideas would be greatly appreciated! ^_^

Well, generally, I got great feedback on the last chapter of Living a Lie. Replies to all reviews are below. Thank you to everyone in advance for the names you gave me. Cookies and ice cream to you all! I put them all together, and New Love and Hope was what I came up with. ^_^

By the way, Éowyn is rather OOC in this story. You know how she's really hard and defensive in LotR? Well, in this story, she's a bit…softer. But still as determined to fight trust me! She hasn't changed in that way. Just showing her delicate, feminine side a little.

So, I hope you enjoy this as much as you seemed to enjoy Living a Lie. Now, on with New Love and Hope! ^_^

~Lainfaer~

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eruinichil – Arrow up his ass? Hmm, good idea, but I've got a feeling the Elves wouldn't do that! There might be slash, there might not be…

Heehee…

Thanks for reviewing. ^_^

Piratey Elf – 1.34 in the morning? You're mad! Heehee, just joking. They were really cool names actually. Especially Poisons of Love. But I couldn't fit it in with the plot, cos half of this story's already written! Doh! Thanks anyway, and thanks (again) for reviewing. ^_^

SEP – I like to drag romances out a bit, ya know? Here's the sequel for you, and I hope you enjoy it as much as you seemed to enjoy Living a Lie. Thanks for reviewing. ^_^

Legolas Amin Aniron – Silent Wings? Kinda cool. You gave me plenty of praise to lap up! Beautiful, wonderful, excellent…careful, else my head'll explode with pride! I got your e-mail, thanks. It made you cry? Aww…

I want to read this Fallen Star. It sounds so cool! I will definitely go and look at your stories sometime, sure! And I promise to review. Thanks for reviewing. ^_^

By the way, threesomes with the twins rock! ^_^

Angel From Hell – Cute. I like that word! Here's the sequel for you. Hope you like it. Thanks for reviewing. (I still love your name!) ^_^

Elerrina – They were good names! Don't think too hard; you'll give yourself a headache! At least…that's what happens to me…

Anyway…

Thanks for reviewing, and I hope you like this sequel. ^_^

Kept-Secret – Don't feel bad. It is hard to think of names on the spot just like that when an author clicks her fingers! Thanks for reviewing, and enjoy New Love and Hope. ^_^

Starlit Hope - *Gives you another tissue, just in case* Glomps me? Er…ok…

Thanks for reviewing, and I hope you enjoy the sequel. ^_^

Miriellar – Hope you enjoy the sequel, and thanks for reviewing. ^_^

The Nameless Elf – Living the Truth? Hmm, I like it! Yeah, I could have gone on for ages, but then again, the romance could have been too rushed. I like to make them last! Of course Haldir is in the sequel, and Leggy and him might fall in love…

Thanks for reviewing, and enjoy New Hope and Love.

laegoleaf – Meet You There…yep, I like it! Thanks for reviewing, and I hope you like this story. ^_^

Haldir's Heart and Soul – Moving On? That's good! Thanks for reviewing, and I hope you like New Hope and Love. ^_^ (I still love your name!)

Cheysuli – He might be back, he might not be. You'll just have to wait and see…

Promises To Keep? Yep, like that too! You guys are all coming up with really good names, yet when I put them all together, I come with New Love and Hope! Its crap! Thanks for reviewing, and UPDATE SOON! Yeah, I know I'm meant to put that in a review, but hey! Never mind. Thanks for reviewing, and you're still really cool! ^_^

seeing-spots – Vengeance could be in it, I'm not sure! Beta reader? I'll definitely think about it. Thing is, my mate often checks them over, but I could always do with someone else! Thanks for offering. But then, you'd see the chapter first, and then there would be no point in you reading it again when I post it, and so you won't be able to review! *takes breath* Phew…

Thanks for reviewing, and I hope you like New Love and Hope. ^_^

Woah, so many replies to write! Now I've got to go and do the replies on Love Conquers All! *plods off grumpily, wiggling fingers cos they ache!*

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New Love and Hope.

Chapter 1: Farewells and the Fellowship.

"And you think I didn't?"

"I'm just saying! I really did miss you!"

"Alright, alright, don't bite my head off." Legolas took his sister into a giant embrace. "I love you Filigon."

She sniffed into his tunic. "And I you."

He rubbed her back comfortingly. "I'm home now."

"Never leave me like that again."

"I won't. I promise."

****

"Just be careful."

"Don't worry Adar, I will be perfectly fine."

"Are you sure? I can quite easily send someone else. Thoron will be more than willing to go."

"No, I need to face my past. Going back will help. Thoron can come with me though. I'll need him."

Thranduil sighed. "As long as you're sure…"

"I am Adar." Legolas walked over to stand beside his father at the window, linking his arm through the Kings, and leaning his head on his shoulder. "Plus I really want to see the twins again."

Thranduil laughed. "Well if you are completely 100% certain, then you may go."

"Hannon lle."

"I just don't want you getting hurt again."

"He isn't there any more. He can't hurt me."

"I know."

Legolas smiled and kissed his father on the cheek. "I'll be fine, I promise. No one is ever going to get me like that again. You know how strong I've become."

"True, true. Go and get ready then. Just…don't be gone for too long."

"I promise I won't Adar. To get there and back…6 months tops, ok?"

"Ok." Legolas smiled again, and hurried off to get ready.

He was travelling to Imladris to deliver a message for his father. Gollum had escaped from their prisons, and Lord Elrond had to be informed immediately.

Legolas knew it would be hard going back, after everything that had happened to him there, but he had to be strong. He had to confront his nightmares head on, not hide behind the borders of his home any longer.

It had been 600 years since the incidents in Imladris, and he was desperate to see his friends, the twin sons of Elrond again. They had visited him in Mirkwood, but he had not left the woods for those 600 years. He knew that this was the perfect opportunity.

He often wondered how Haldir was getting on. They had written to each other a couple of times, but that had been all. He had never taken up the invitation that had been open to him all these years. He still had not visited the Golden Wood of Lothlórien. Haldir had never again come to Mirkwood bearing a message. He hoped he would see him again one day.

****

Legolas rode along at a leisurely pace through his homeland. He had four companions with him, all of whom were his friends. He also had his brother, Thoron. They rode in a small cluster, talking merrily about the weeks ahead.

"So, what is this Council about Legolas?" one of them asked the Prince.

"I'm not entirely sure. Something about the One has been found again, but who knows?"

"The One? It was lost aeons ago. Who has supposedly found it? "

"I don't know. I haven't been told much. Look, we're just there to deliver the message about Gollum escaping. Nothing more. We'll find out everything that we need to know in the Council. Let's hurry up. I don't want to be stuck in here too long with only the five of us. Spider numbers are up." They laughed together, and picked up their speed a little.

The parting between Legolas and his father had been a bitter one. Thranduil was reluctant to let Legolas return to Imladris after the previous happenings, but Legolas was determined to fight his fears. Astalder had been banished; he would not be there.

//He is still wandering the wilds, alone and unwanted. There is nothing to fear anymore.//

That was what Legolas had to keep reminding himself.

Whilst they camped that night, Legolas could have sworn he saw shadows moving in the surrounding trees, but put it down to his overactive imagination. Thoron was on watch the other side of the clearing whilst their four friends slept soundly.

Legolas stared out into the darkness. Nothing. No sound, no movement, only the sighing of the wind through the trees. He relaxed his tense shoulders a little. This was the first time he had left the safety of Mirkwood, and so he was bound to be a tiny bit nervous.

He scurried silently over to his younger brother. "Anything?" he whispered.

"Nothing. You?"

"No. But it's too quiet for my liking."

"Same. Are you feeling ok? You've been rather quiet all day."

"I'm fine. Just a bit nervous about leaving Mirkwood, that's all."

"I don't blame you. Don't worry big brother, we'll look after you." Legolas smiled at his younger sibling, who was grinning in the fading light of their small campfire.

"I know you will." He placed a hand on Thorons' shoulder, then hurried back to his post.

The next morning, they rode out at dawn, wanting to reach the safety of Imladris as quickly as possible. It took them a few days to get through the Pass, encountering Orcs along the way.

But as they came to the Archway on the edge of the forest that signalled the end of Thranduils' realm, Legolas had a sudden reluctance to leave. He halted his horse just before it whilst the other five rode on.

"Come on Greeny!" Thoron called, reverting back to his childhood nickname for his older brother. "Race you to the stream!"

Legolas grinned faintly. "Thoron, I don't know if I can…"

"Of course you can." He galloped back to Legolas. "It'll be fine," he said in a soft voice. "Come on." He held out his hand. "Do you want me to lead you by the hand like a five-year old?"

"No!"

"Well then." He smiled sympathetically. "I know it's hard, but you said yourself you wanted to face your fears. Think about it. Just two more steps and you would have taken the biggest leap so far."

Legolas nodded and set his face determinedly. He nudged his stallion in the sides, and it walked slowly under the archway. He could sense his masters' restlessness, and so took it slowly.

Legolas let out the breath he had been holding once he was right out into the open. "Done it," he breathed, smiling. He looked back over his shoulder.

"Don't look back, let's go," Thoron encouraged him. "Come on, I want this race!" He urged his horse forward, sprinting off into the distance.

"Cheater!" Legolas yelled after him, spurring his horse on.

The four friends watched in amusement as the two brothers raced each other. "Is there any hope for those two?" one asked.

"I doubt it," another answered. They laughed and galloped off after their friends, who were rapidly disappearing over the line of the horizon.

****

The Council lasted many hours, and many tales were told. Legolas told the whole Council about how Gollum had escaped their guards, and that his trail had been lost long ago.

A Fellowship was eventually formed to help the Ringbearer along to Mordor to destroy it in the fires of Mount Doom. Legolas volunteered for it.

"Why did you do it?" Thoron asked as they were walking back to their chambers after the meeting was over. "You could have just stood there quietly, and not got involved…but oh no, you just had to go along with it, didn't you? I don't believe you sometimes Legolas."

"I felt it was my duty Thoron."

"Your duty? What, to trek along to the most evil place in the world to chuck the Ring into Orodruin."

"Keep your voice down!" Legolas hissed. "For goodness sakes Thoron, you do not shout those words out loud here!"

"I'm sorry, I'm just…confused as to why you did it. Adar is not going to be pleased with you."

"I don't care."

"Legolas." Thoron stopped and put a hand on his brothers' arm. "We just don't want to lose you again. We were so close to losing you completely all those years ago. Please, don't do this."

"I have to," he sighed. "I must."

"But…"

"No buts, Thoron." He took his brother into a huge embrace. "I will be fine, do not worry." He placed a chaste kiss on Thorons' golden head. "I will come back to you, I promise."

"But I need you here Legolas," Thoron disagreed, mumbling into his older brothers' chest. "You're my big brother, you're supposed to stay with me."

"I know that, but I cannot be around forever. You managed before, when I was away."

"But I didn't know you were in danger then. This time is different. I know you're going to be in danger, I know there is a huge risk you will get hurt. I can't just stand by and wait for you to come home, knowing that you may not come at all!"

"Do not say such things," Legolas protested, pulling away and looking Thoron straight in the eye. "I will come home, I will survive this. If I survived a whole century of being beaten and…well, I think I can get through this, don't you."

Thoron shook his head. "Last time was different. The twins were here then, to look after you, to keep an eye on you. Now they're not, and you will be the only Elf. You'll be alone Legolas."

"I'll have Aragorn, and Mithrandir. Don't worry. The idea of having a whole group of us, is so that we can look out for, and protect each other. We can't have too small a group, else there won't be enough of us, but we can't have too many, as we'll be noticed by the enemy too much. Nine of us is a perfect number. With all those others around me, there is hardly any chance that I will get hurt."

"I suppose so. But I'm your brother, I'm supposed to worry about you."

"I know. And I do appreciate it. Now come on. Let's go and get changed. I hate these robes." He plucked at the material. "I want my normal clothes back on." Thoron nodded in agreement, and they carried on walking down the hallway to their chambers.

****

Two months later, the Fellowship of the Ring set out. Thoron had returned home and given his father the news. Legolas had not wanted to go, as he did not want to have to say another goodbye. So he had remained in Imladris.

As the group walked on, gradually leaving the haven of Imladris behind them, Legolas' thoughts drifted back to his sister, Filigon. She was the one he really missed, as he always did when he went away from Mirkwood. She had come to his room to say goodbye to him as he was packing. She had said she did not want their father to see her crying.

She had cried, a lot. Legolas had held her in his arms for ages, not wanting to ever let her go again. Since his ordeals in Imladris, they had become even closer, and the parting was almost impossible. She had given him her bracelet that their mother had given her just before she had passed over to Valinor.

It was a delicate silver charm bracelet. There was a tiny flower, a heart, a star, a crescent moon, and a small bird to represent Filigon. Her name did mean 'small bird' after all. There was also an arrow, which Filigon had had added on before she had given it to Legolas. She said it was to keep him safe.

He smiled, fingering it as they walked along. He had refused it at first, saying he would probably lose it, but she had been determined, and put it on his wrist for him, stating firmly that if he ever took it off, she would find out and he would be in serious trouble.

For days they travelled, heading ever towards the Misty Mountains to hopefully pass through the Red Horn Pass unnoticed. But it was not to be. Their attempt over Caradharas was brave, yet unsuccessful. They had two choices left open to them. Either to go to the Gap of Rohan, and risk going that close to Isengard, or going through the dark Mines of Moria, from where no news had come for many years.

It was eventually decided to go through the Mines, and Legolas knew he would definitely not like it. They would be dark, underground, and no sunshine would ever pierce the blackness of the cavernous halls lying hidden under the Mountains.

But he had no choice. He followed the rest of the Company to the West Gate, and after much riddle solving, they managed to get in. Just as they were doing so however, the Watcher in the Water attacked, and grabbed Frodo by the ankle.

Aragorn and Boromir ran into the water itself, cutting down various limbs off of the creature, and Legolas stood by the doors, firing arrow after arrow. Once they got Frodo down, he shot the Watcher in the eye, and they all ran inside. The Watcher pulled down the doors around them, sealing them inside.

It was pitch black, and smelt disgusting. Gandalf used the light of his staff to shine on the path ahead. As they walked on, many stumbled across the Dwarf and Orc skeletons lying all over the place. Moria had not housed a living Dwarf for a very long time it seemed.

//Think sunshine, think sunshine…//

Legolas kept repeating the words around in his head as they travelled on. As long as he thought of the world outside, he knew he could get through these mines.

For a countless number of days, they walked on, following the dim light of Gandalfs' staff. They eventually arrived at a tomb, Balins' tomb. They watched in shocked silence as Gimli knelt at its feet, and wept openly. 

Gandalf found a book of records of the Dwarfs' desperate last stand, and as he read the last few pages aloud, Pippin knocked an old skeleton down a well. The noise echoed through the mines, never seeming to end.

When at last silence returned, the whole company let out a breath they did not realise they had been holding. Gandalf glared at the young Hobbit. "Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time, and rid us of your stupidity!"

Then the drums started. They shut the doors leading into the tomb, and Boromir nearly got shot in the process. "They have a cave troll," he told them disdainfully.  

They all stood around the tomb, Gimli on top of it, and braced themselves. Legolas and Aragorn had arrows notched to their bows. Gimli had his axe at the ready, and Boromir with his sword. The Hobbits stood behind Gandalf, their small swords gripped tightly in their hands, and Gandalf held both his staff and sword aloft. He chucked his hat to one side.

The doors groaned under the weight of the Orcs pushing against it the other side. As soon as a decent enough hole was made, Legolas shot an arrow through it, and Aragorn followed it up. The doors burst open, and the Orcs flooded in.

****

They ran, on and on. They had made it out of Moria, but without Gandalf. He had fallen in battle with the Balrog upon the Bridge of Khazad-dûm. The rest of the company had fled, and made it outside.

They had stopped briefly just outside, to regain their breath, and to let realisation hit them. The Hobbits were already in tears, and the others were close to it.

Aragorn got them up with Legolas' help, and announced they were making for the Woods of Lothlórien. At this, Legolas' heart lifted. Not only would he at long last see the Golden Wood, but also he would see Haldir again.

How he longed to see the face of the Marchwarden again, have him hold him like he had in Imladris, feel the silkiness of his hair trickling through his fingers, taste his lips against his own…

No surprise then, that he was at the very front of the group, leading them down towards the woods that awaited them. Too long he had waited in his fathers' halls, too long had he sat alone, pondering over things that could have been. Now was his chance to make his dreams and fantasies come true. He was not going to let that chance slip away like last time.      

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So, how was that for a first chapter? Good, bad, absolute crap? Tell me in a review, and all ideas are welcome, as I have already said. Thank you! ^_^

~Lainfaer~