Author's note: when the print goes like this, then it's a memory and Legolas isn't telling it detail by detail to Daranth. Got it? good.


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He was confused. Had Ellen not told him that elves can't get sick?-had the prince himself simply say that he was tired and not ill? Now the older elf completely changes his mind and says that he is sick. All Daranth could do was stare at the Mirkwood prince. His dark eyes looking worried and his brow furrowed. Legolas sighed and kept his hands together, still resting on his knees.

The blonde elf looked down for a second and then back up. His blue eyes filled with no hint of lying or joking. It was true, the elf was sick. Yet, how could he keep it away from his entire family?- how long had it been since he knew?- was he going to tell his own wife?! In a sort of stutter, the younger elf asked, "W-what?"

"I'm ill, Daranth." The dark haired elf nodded. Still dazed and confused as more questions entered his mind. "I know, it's hard to believe. You probably have many questions, but let me explain first." Daranth only managed a small shakey nodd. Legolas closed his eyes and remebered the first moment he had heard the news. How he asked Lord Elrond not to tell anyone; finding it the best for his family not to know. "It's starts in the house of Elrond, where we first met-

The day was beautiful. Birds sang away their songs, while the forest creatures roamed through the great trees. One week had passed since his daughter's birth, and in one week they would travel from Mirkwood East and then South to Minas Tirith. The blonde prince stood out in the garden. His laughter filled the area as he watched his young child give his wife trouble when she tried to dress her. Ellen glared at him with a 'you can help!' look. The prince sighed and leaned back into the bench he sat on. The book he had been reading lay next to him, faced down on the page he stopped on.

Just as his wife was about to give up on dressing the wild child, an older elf walked into the garden. He was followed by a younger and cheery looking elf. Both of them had dark hair. Immediatley the Mirkwood prince stood up and bowed slightly to Elrond. Ellen of the Rose stayed on the grass and smiled up at him. The two had met on Legolas' wedding day, and since then have been good friends. She treated the older elf as a father.

Elrond moved to the side and presented the younger elf, after greeting Legolas. "This is Daranth. He was sent by your father. Apparently, Thranduil thought you needed an assistent." At this, the young elf bowed. "He comes from Valinor. Daranth's parents wanted him to grow up knowing Middle-earth. Sadly, they were taken by a deadly storm while crossing the sea. So, he's been in Imladris (If it is spelled wrong I apoligize and would appreciate the correct spelling) ever since." Daranth walked over to Legolas and smiled timidly.

Ellen rose to her feet, giving up on the child, and handed Adelina to her father. She then wiped her hands held it out. "Hi, I'm Ellen of the Rose, and Prince Legolas' wife. How are you, Daranth?"

"Yes, and I'm fine. I'm really excited to be working and traveling with you." His brown eyes looked towards the elven prince. Excitement and curiosity in his eyes. Legolas merely pulled his daughter's hands out of his hair and glanced at the younger elf. A smile coming cross his lips and then fading as his blonde hair was wrenched down by the babe's small hands.

Later that day, Legolas found himself going over his plans with Elrond. Figuring out what supplies were needed, and just how long they should ride per day. Just as the prince stood up to get more of the wine presented to him by the lord, he swayed a bit with a light headed feeling. Thinking that two cups was enough he sat back down empty handed. As he did this, a flash of white came before his eyes. The world seemed to be spinning as dark shapes moved about him. Quickly, the blonde elf felt the cold floor press agianst his face.

It was only a few seconds that the passed out state lasted. When Legolas' vision came back to normal, he realized that someone was lifting him. The prince pressed his hands to the floor, causing the arms to release him. The elf then proceeded to at least sit on the floor. His head ached and he was still feeling light headed. Lord Elrond was kneeling next to him. In a confused voice, Legolas asked the healer, "What happened?"

A cold cloth met his head, and Legolas pressed on it. Elrond's voice was soft, but seemed to ring loud in his sensative ears. "You passed out for a second how do you feel?" the Mirkwood prince described how it felt and how he feels. After hearing about the elf's hearing, the healer backed away a bit. Hoping to cause less pain.

"Lord Elrond said that it was a rare blood disease. Passed down through generations of my family. My grandfather had it... I never knew before then how he died." The elf's voice trailed off in thought. There was silence upon the room. The Mirkwood elf was kept in thought for a few moments. Daranth sat patiently. He knew what the prince was telling him must be serious and important, if it was enough to keep the elf from telling his own wife. Suddenly, Legolas' eyes snapped back to the world before him. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I understand, sort of. Now, if you could please go on..."

"Yes. I asked Elrond to keep it a secret. Of course he accepted, but he wondered why. I said that I cared for my family too much. I think he got the point, for he said no more. He had one last chance to tell Ellen before we left, he didn't take it." Tears almost swelled in his eyes. Apparently the thought of his illness brought much sorrow in his heart. "Over two thousand years. An eternity waiting ahead of me. I was going to see the glittering caves with Gimli some day. My daughter was going to get married and have children. Now, it dwindles down to matter of weeks or days. Soon to be hours and seconds." The prince wiped away the tears from his eyes. It was too much to think about.

"You see Daranth, this illnes is eating away at my life. Very soon my body will give out." The younger elf was quiet at the word of the prince's death. True, they had only been together for a little while, but the elf had a way of getting attached to people rather quickly. Plus, it saddened him to have to think about dealing with the grief presented to him. Not only his own, but Ellen's as well. Yes, the king and the dwarf may grieve as well, and Daranth may help them go through it. But Ellen would be alone. She would need someone to lean on. The young woman neither knew the king nor the dwarf very well. Daranth would be there for her though. Making it as bearable as possible.

It seemed to him, that that's all the older elf thought of. His family. It was rare for the blonde to think about himself before others. Even on the brink of death, all that went through his mind was how would his family handle it. Plus, how it would effect his friends as well. Daranth sighed. Legolas had a good soul, and he would deepley miss it.

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It was expensive, but the elf didn't mind. Whatever made his wife happy was worth any price. Ellen twirled around in the middle of the room. Her dress was a light green and rimmed with gold. A small purple ribbon tied around her waste and hung down in the back. On her dainty hands were a pair of white leather gloves. The maiden's long golden hair was in curls and one long braid made it's way down her back. Legolas saw her and felt like he did three years ago. At first sight she was ony fifteen years of age, but as beautiful as a timeless mountian. Rising above the land and gleaming gold in the sunset, with snowcapped tops. Again his love's cheeks grew rosey, and her lips were their natural dark red.

A smile came across his face as he held his child. So much did she look like her mother. The young woman stopped twirling and blushed. Her strong and delicate arms lifted the child from the prince's arms. Adelina giggled and tugged on the elf's hair. With a short cry and a hiss of pain, Legolas grabbed the bunch that the child had and tugged it loose himself; making sure to grip the roots as he pulled in order to minimize the pain. The young girl just laughed agian and clung to her mother's shoulder. The daughter herself was in a small red dress made by her mother that afternoon.

Daranth laughed with the girl. The child always seemed to be after her father. The laugh dwindled to a small false smile. Memories of his talk earlier with the prince came flooding back. Again he felt saddened, but didn't dare show it. The young elf himself was dressed in a pair of tan pants and a white coat over a green shirt. His black boots were shined and polished. The dark hair that sat upon his head was cut just enough to pull it over his ears.

Legolas himself was dressed in a pair of black pants. His boots were pulled over them and nearly came to the knee. The back of the boots were cut lower than the fronts; allowing the elf to run or walk with great ease. A tight black shirt was foud on his shoulders, and a mask on tied around his face. Instead of the whole cloak, the elf prince only wore the hood. Now the features of his face were dark, and he was black from head to toe.

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The three of them walked up the steps. Adelina bounced in her mother's arms and was soon passed to her father. When Legolas grew irritated with the girl trying to get his hair in the hood, he passed her to Daranth. Both parents snorted when the young child fell asleep within minutes of being handed to the assistent. The younger elf tried not to nottice, and instead played with the child's hand.

It took them exactly twenty-two minutes to reach the palace doors. Once the guards saw them, they opened up the doors and allowed the party in. Each one gave a suspicious look towards Legolas; then automatically guessed which one was Dadren. One of the guards called to a young boy standing in the hall. Once he heard the message and saw the guests, he ran off towards the throne room. There the Lady Arwen, and King Elessar, would be waiting for his message.

-)(-

Aragorn watched as Roland threw the bone once more. The scrany dog that was known as Scratch, raced after it. It's long legs getting tangled and messed up with it's body. Roland laughed and clapped, as the dog brought back the bone with his tail wagging. The motion caused his whole body to move. The Lady Arwen sat next to the king on the throne. She smiled and laughed along with her child. Once again, Roland tossed the bone.

Just then a small boy raced into the room. He went up to the king and whispered in Aragorn's ear. Then the boy ran back out into the hall. With a clap and a smile, the man rose from his seat. "Finally, our guests are here!" At this, Arwen rose as well. The young prince came running to his parents and clinged to his mother's dress. The three of them moved out of the throne room and out into the dinning hall.

Already the guests were seated. One of them wore a black mask. His hood was cast back to reveal blonde hair. The hair was tied back and casted over his ears. Yet, the man's face was turned down and staring at the table. The woman next to him was fare and beautiful. Her long golden hair was draped over the back of the chair, and a young child sat in her lap. The babe picked up a spoon and tossed it at the man next to her. Finally the dark man turned and looked at the girl. His eyes held a smile, and something else. To Aragorn they seemed so familiar.

A younger man sat across from them. His dark brown hair, almost black, cut short and some casted over his ears as well. He sat properly and when he saw them walk in, immediately stood up and bowed. The other two realized whom had walked in and did the same. With a smile, Aragorn walked over and put his hands in the air. When they lowered so did the guests. The king and queen took their places at the table and set Roland in his chair. Then Aragorn's voice filled up the hall.

"Welcome, my friends, to Gondor and Minas Tirith. I do hope your stay so far has gone well and that you will look for more permenant residence. I am King Elessar, and this is my queen, Lady Arwen; our son, Prince roland. May I ask for your names?"

A cold and steeley voice answered. It was like ice and brought slight chills to Arwen. Roland stopped squirming in his seat and looked up as well. Aragorn tried not to shiver from the chills as well and just looked at the man speaking. It was the one that wore the mask. "I am Dadren, the hunter. This is my wife Ellen of the Rose. On her lap is my daughter Adelina of the Waterlillies." Then the man motioned his hand towards the one across from him. "This is Daniel. My trusty assistent. We have traveled many miles to seek a new life here. We hope that you will accept us and that we may find peace."

Aragorn nodded. Arwen was about to reply when the doors to the room opened once more. In came a stout dwarf. His hair was red and his arms well built. A smile was upon his face and he came marching up to the king. "Gimli!" Aragorn rose and accepted the hug offered. Arwen rose as well and said hello. The dwarf looked at the boy in his chair and smiled. Roland only laughed and called out, 'Gimli!' After their greetings, Gimli took a seat next to Daniel on the other side of the table. He smiled at him and then looked towards Dadren. "I see you two have already met?" King Elessar asked.

The dwarf nodded, "Yes we have. I'm afraid my friend Dadren hear has told me much of his story, but has heard none of mine." Aragorn laughed and knew they were in for a tale. Ever since the Fellowship had ended, the dwarf had taken to telling all about the journey. Even though he knew a book was being written.

So, Gimli went on to tell Dadren of the Fellowship and the quest to destroy the ring. He skipped parts in order to make it shorter and more bareable. When he got to the part about last seeing his elf friend, Prince Legolas, Dadrn closed his eyes and listened carefully. His head rested on his fisted hands.Ellen seemed a bit amused with the story as well. She ocassionally glanced back to her husband. She knew much about the quest and about the dwarf, yet she never fully understood her love's part in the whole thing. Daniel just listened and watched his master. His eyes seemed to fill with worry.

Finally the tale had ended. All were silent, and all were watching Dadren. The man had kept his eyes closed, but showed utter concentration. So he wasn't asleep. Ellen reached over and nudged his shoulder. He looked up at her, his eyes full of unshed tears. With a sigh she nodded, for she knew it was too much now for the elf to keep it.

With a quick movement, the man sat up and looked at all three of his old friends. All of them wondering what was going on. A sigh came from him and he put his hands behind his head. "I have something to show all of you." In a brisk wave of the hands the mask was off. All of them gasped and smiled. Great confusion, worry, and joy coming into their minds. Gimli was the first to jump to his feet and race over to the elf. Grasping him between his arms.

"Laddie! Why did you hide from us? Oh, Legolas I don't know whether to be angry or overjoyed!" Aragorn ran walked to him next. A greater smile was upon his face. "It's good to see you again. I'm wondering and feeling the same as Gimli. If this is a joke..."

"It's no joke!- and I have good reason for hiding myself." Legolas put up his hands in defense. Only to be swarmed with another hug of joy. The elven prince thought he heard something break. Once they let go of him, the elf looked down at them, a bright smile coming across his fair lips. "It's good to see you as well. I would like you to meet my assistent for real." Daranth fluffed his hair to show the pointed ears. "This is Daranth."

Legolas' two friends smiled and waved to him. Arwen walked beside her husband and smiled as well at Legolas. Gimli then realized something. "Is that your real-"

"Wife? yes."

"Than that means-"

"That child is my daughter as well." Again the dwarf and man grew great smiles and stared lovingly at the woman and child. Gimli walked over and all of a sudden turned into a loving uncle. The girl laughed and tugged at his beard. The dwarf simply chuckled as well. Legolas smiled at his now happy family. Maybe revealing himself was the best thing for them.

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"That's right! An elf. Saw it with my own eyes. No, it's not Lady Arwen either. That Dadren fellow is really an elf." Halon listened carefully to one of the guards. He had been in the dinning hall when the man known as Dadren revealed himself to be an elf. Now the Mosley explained it all to Holan while standing upon the wall on night watch. "I thought he was a bit untrustworthy when I met him. Calls himself a prince. Legolas be his real name. He's one of dem Mirkwood elves too!'

"Mirkwood!" Holan exclaimed. "But that's one of the dying lands. He's probably brought disease and death with him!"

"You're right!" another guard shouted. Soon the whole wall was a ablaze with talk of the Mirkwood elf. Soon all the guards began to convince themselves that the elf meant no good. The guards grew angrier and angry. When they went home that night, they complained to their wives and families about it. The sun rose and the wives told others. Soon most of the city was in an uproar. Shouting to each other "Get rid of the elf!"

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Bum, bum, bum! Three cliffies in a row!!! How do ya like that. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter as well. Please tell me if you would like any thing changed in the story. Oh! Oh! Yeah I almost forgot.

Tell me in your review: Whether or not Legolas should DIE, or should there be a sequal. Don't worry, the story won't be ending soon. I just need the votes now so that I can channel the story in that direction. Thank You!

REad on...

P.S. I need an editor. Someone whom I can e-mail chapters and they notify me on mistakes or if they think something should be changed. Got it? Good.