oOOooOOo

They had all stayed at the palace that night. Aragorn had a couple of his maids lead them to the guest rooms. Legolas and Ellen got one with a crib for Adelina. Daranth was located right next door, and next to him Gimli was staying. The dwarf did not want to leave his friend and head back to the inn. So instead, a messenger boy was sent with one horse to receive all their luggage and bring it back to the palace. The elven prince was to stay within Aragorn's home.

The fire was burning bright in the hearth and Adelina was sleeping away. Her heavy breathing being heard throughout the room. A finely decorated carpet lay beneath his feet. Two large chairs were in the room as well as a large bed and wardrobe. The Mirkwood prince hoped that the messenger boy would wait until dawn before bringing the baggage up. The blonde elf sighed and stared at his wife sleeping away in her bed. A soft smile came upon his face as he remebered her getting prodded with questions from Aragorn and Gimli. Finally, Arwen had come to her rescue and took her away to chat. Now she layed on the bed like a sleeping angel. Her warm face having an orange glow from the fire.

With a sigh, Legolas walked over to the window and took a look out. He saw some people still bussling in the dark. With curious eyes, he looked down upon them. Elven sight came in handy, so did the ability to read lips. Two figures stood underneath a lamppost. The small flame flickering and keeping their eyes hidden. But there was enought light to see their mouths. The words that formed on them shocked the elf. He stood away from the window then and looked back to his wife. Now he knew the aweful truth. Fear was struck in his heart and Legolas paced back and forth for most of the night. Finally, he fell asleep, with visions of what the men had said coming to his dreams.

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Gimli was the first at the table, and already on his second plate when the rest of them showed up. He smiled and held up his cup of ale. Ellen stared at the alchohol and wrinkled her nose. She had hoped to get away from the inn smell, but the dwarf was fresh with the reak of smoke and ale. But instead of shunning him, the lady sat right next to the dwarf. A smile placed upon her face when Adelina crawled onto his lap. Gimli laughed as well. Daranth found himself next to the young prince Roland. The young boy continued to giggle and laugh, throwing his biscut pieces at the assistent. As the Mirkwood prince entered, he gave a short comment on how much the child represented his father. Which was quickly answered with a biscut in his face and a laugh from Aragorn.

Legolas sat next to Aragorn and Arwen, sandwhiched between Gimli and the king. While the others smiled at him, he offered only a brief smile to both of his friends. Then he looked to his food and began to eat. It was very little and everyone was finished with theirs. Again, Daranth grew worried with his master. Was the illness finally taking it's toll on the elf's appetite? The younger elf was about to ask when Arwen stepped in. "Legolas, why aren't you eating?"

The blonde elf looked up from his plate and rested his head on his hands. "Something I heard, well actually didn't hear, disturbs me. Two men were talking. The only words I could make out where 'Get rid of the elf.'" At this, the Mirkwood elf fell silent. As to him, and to the company, they all knew what elf that the men had spoken of. Now doubt entered the blonde elf's mind. It was a bad thing he had done last night, revealing himself to even old friends. How could he be so foolish? Legolas cursed himself in his mind. It had been a brave and deadly move on his part. What was happening was the very thing that the elf wanted to avoide. The prince could sense his wife next near him. She had stood up and wrapped an arm around his neck. Now she kissed the side of his head and whispered, "It's alright." A tear streaked down her face.

So much was happening so fast. He felt it was too fast, and soon felt sorry for placing such a gloomy mood on the morning table. Everyone seemed to quiet and look away from the saddened elf. Finally, Legolas could bear his friends' misery no more. In a quiet flurry, he stood up and put his hands on Ellen's shoulders. She stared up at him. Their blue eyes locking. A great love showed between the two of them. A great love that had been there for so many years. Starting with a young girl, and a young elf. Ellen's blue eyes grew glossy and filled with tears.

For the woman knew what the elf planned and she silently begged him to stay; not to go and leave them. She was trying to tell him that it was okay. Nothing would happen to them as long as he stayed with them. In her soft angelic voice, she spoke to him. "As long as you stay with us, it's alright. No one will harm you, or your family. Legolas, please at least stay for breakfast." A small hint of laughter was hidden in the last sentence. Then her face went back to being serious. The Mirkwood elf looked back at her with the same loving eyes. Finally, he kissed her gently and sat back in his seat. Ellen smiled and went to go back to her seat. Instead, the dwarf stood up and she took her place next to her husband. A small thank-you forming on her lips.

Gimli smiled at the two and then picked Adelina up from the seat and placed her on his lap as he sat down again. Since he had already eaten, the dwarf broke up pieces of the food and helped the young child eat them. She squealed with excitement and began to just grab things off of her plate and shoving them in her mouth. Gimli would laugh and then control the grabbing. Once Roland threw a piece of butter at her from across the table, Adelina then proceeded to do the same with her biscut and jam. It was a whole mess and Gimli was left to clean it up.

As Legolas sat there, very solemn, very silent, Aragorn began to talk of the situation. "I feel that the people are just surprised to have a new elf in the kingdom. For three years it has only been Arwen. They will get over it in time." The prince seemed to look up at his words, still resting a hand on his chin. With a sigh of desperation, he explained why he thought otherwise.

"There is a reason they need a king. For they are too easily swayed to rule amongst themselves. They strongly believe the first thing to come around, or to be a great deal. So far, they discovering I'm an elf has brought a great comotion and trouble. If it only known amongst a small group, then yes, it will pass. They will see that I do not bring troubles, but only myself and the joy of my family. Yet, if the fear of my presence spreads to many minds, then I'm afraid I must leave Minas Tirith, or live eternity under guard." At this, Legolas looked at the king with serious eyes. Ones that suggested no more could be argued, eyes that said he would have a counter attack to every word the king said. With a sigh of his own, Aragorn nodded and took a sip of his drink. Arwen was listening and had nodded everytime Legolas spoke, meaning that she agreed with him.

All of a sudden, all three of the elves pirked up and turned their heads towards the doors. All the others did the same, wondering what they had heard, and wanting elf ears for themselves. Just as suddenly as the elves had looked the door slammed open. One of the guards stammered on their feet, trying to get ahead of the small group that had entered. "My-my lord, they insisted on talking with you." The guard stuttered and looked at the four man group next to him. Aragorn rose to his feet and raised a hand in peace. Saying "Very well," and dismissing the guard.

The group had four memebers. Two of them were known by the Mirkwood prince and his company. For one was Mainley, the innkeeper; and the other was Holan, the guard. Holan was apparently the leader of the small party and walked in front of the others. Two others walked with him. A young blonde with dark green eyes. And an older man with a dark grey look to his hair and a short beard. Attached to each man's belt was a knife in a leather sheath. Suddenly, Arwen and Ellen grew frightful of what the men might want. With a single look, Legolas told the woman to get the children and get away. They didn't hesitate and immediately obeyed. Daranth decided to go with them as well; knowing he would be of no help but detriment their chances if a fight broke out.

After they had left, the prince stood up as did the other two. One of the unkown men glared at the elf. His eyes seeming to have a murderous intent. His hands gripped the dagger at his side. But Holan held out his arm when the young blonde tried to get past. "Be at peace Trimlion. We are not here to fight, but to negotiate." At this, the man seemed to calm down and loosened his grip on the now bare dagger. A silent sigh came from Gimli that only Legolas could hear. That was when the elf realized that he was the only one weaponless. Aragorn had a sword at his side, while Gimli always carried an axe with him. A nervous feeling entered the prince's mind. All that he would have to defend himself with were some kitchen utensils.

As this thought entered his mind, Holan took a step forward and continued to walk. He then stopped about three yards in front of King Elessar. "I wish to speak with you in private. I'll leave my weapons here if you wish it." One of the guards did not let his king answer, instead he came over with a tray and shoved it in front of the man. Immediately, Holan began to take off his daggers and a few hidden trinkets. When the man was striped clean, Aragorn motioned for him to follow him. Holan did as he was told. Gimli tried to follow him, when Legolas held his shoulder and stopped the dwarf. A stern look from the elf made him try no more.

With a sigh, Gimli relaxed and watched his friend walk off with the former guard. Then he looked towards Holan's companions. The men were just standing there. Mainley had finally walked over to a wall and leaned against it; leaving the other two to just look on at the elf and dwarf. Holan's weapons layed on the table behind the two. The blonde before seemed to be getting anxious, then Trimlion leaned over to older man and whispered something. This seemed to make the man grip his dagger as well and unsheath it. Legolas concentrated on them; his eyes caught the beads of sweat running down the blonde's brow.

The Mirkwood prince leaned over to Gimli and whispered, "Their getting nervous. Don't make any sudden movements, and definately don't reach for your axe." The dwarf nodded and sat down in one of the chairs. The elf continued to stand. Then came the taunts. Apparently, these men weren't very fond of having another elf in the city. Especially one that was from a dying land. Yet, even as the two men spitted at him, the elf remained clam. He knew it was the best thing to do. But with each tease, Gimli wanted to rip their heads off even more.

"Aren't so brave without your bow and arrows!" The blonde called over to him. Now the gray called in response. "An elf is nothing compared to a true swordsman. Yes, he may dance around with simple kinves, but my skill surpasses yours for sure. I bet I can even out shoot you!" the older man stood up straight and with a puffed chest. Legolas didn't like where it was leading. Infact, the blonde only pushed the man even more, and even the elf a bit.

"I bet you could beat that elf ten-fold. Even possibly make a fool of his father." Gimli looked up as he saw the elf's features grow dark. His eyes narrowed and a cold chill was sent down the dwarf's back. Legolas had inheireted much from his father, including his temper and ways of making those shiver in fear from his presence. The elf reached his hand back to the table and it was dangerously close to Holan's weapons. Then the dwarf saw what real anger their teasing his father had caused to arise.

In the voice he had used for Dadren, the Mirkwood prince spoke to their 'guests.' Automatically, the steeley voice stopped the jeers that were being sent his way. "Well, I highly doubt you could even beat my wife. She's never handle a sword I reckon." The older man listened to this and seemed to snarl. The blonde as well scrunched his nose and looked at the elf, loathing his presence. 'What has he done?' Gimli thought.

The blonde moved forward, dagger in hand. His eyes blazed with anger as he took each step. All of a sudden, the gray haired man stopped him and pushed him back. In a dark voice, he spoke, "His fight is with me. Stay back." Trimlion shook his head and stepped back. A sneer spread across his thin and dried lips. Mainley had heard the comotion and opened his eyes. His partner was holding his rusty dagger in hand. A cross look upon his face. The innkeeper simply shrugged and watched in amusement.

Gimli stiffened up as he realized there was to be a fight.

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Ellen sighed and sat down on the bed. Adelina had been handed to Arwen, and she was now playing with the lady's fair hair. The queen had enough and gentley placed her next to her son. Roland smiled and began to bring all kinds of things to the girl. With each item came a name. Soon Roland could name an object and the girl would pick it out. This entertained both of them for many moments as the adults talked.

Daranth paced back and forth, not being able to help. His mind buzzed with thoughts of what might happen. Then he thought about nothing else, except his friend's illness. Before long, the elf sat down and began to mumble to himself. Arwen stared at him as her ears picked up every word. Ellen looked at Arwen's startled face, and then at Daranth. In a gently voice she asked, "Daranth? Is there something you wish to tell us?"

The younger elf looked up at the two woman and sighed. He had promised Legolas not to tell, yet maybe this was a time to... No, he couldn't say anything unless something happened. In a whisper he told them, "I can't, I promised Legolas." With that room grew silent and the females grew even more curious and worried. Finally, the young elf couldn't stand their piercing eyes. In a frustrated flurry, he jumped to his feet and walked to the door. "I'm going to see what they might be doing."

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Silence. It soon became unbearable for the humans. The man whom had challanged Legolas stood there in a fighting posistion. His dagger in hand and swaying back and forth. The elf sighed and stayed at the table. If neither of them moved perhaps the anger of the prince and the man would pass over. The Mirkwood elf soon forgot the reason for his anger, or he either forgave the man in his head. Yet, humans are no easily persuaded by silence. The gray man wanted what was said to have consequences. The man wanted to hurt the elf and force him to apologize; because then he would have been right and have won their little arguement.

As Legolas stood there, the man inched closer and closer, until he was at least four yards away. When the elf glanced at the dwarf for a brief moment, that's when the man struck. He cried and lunged forward. His feet moved fast, and his hands even quicker. But an elf is more than a match for a rebel human. In a graceful, yet strong, movement, the Mirkwood prince lept onto the table, grabbed a dagger and did a back flip off as the man crawled on and stabbed at him.

With a soft thud that even the elf could barely hear, he landed on the other side. The man grew angry at his missed strike, and lunged again. Only to his dismay, the elf quickly brought up the dagger he had grabbed and blocked the shot. Pushing back the blade, Legolas spun around to dodge another blow. Now the man filled with rage and even more frustrated. Quick small jabs followed large lunges. Each one being easily blocked or dodged. It was almost comical to see the elf bending to one side and another, and the clumsy man thrusting forward again and again.

Gimli watched with his hands on his axe, ready to assist his friend if the elf ever fell; though the dwarf found that highly unlikely. For the gray haired man was a cluts and kept stumbling. Legolas didn't dare bring his kife to the man's flesh. Instead, he hit once in a while with the handle. This would stun the man for a second, then they would be at it again. A small smile could be seen spreading on the Mirkwood prince's face. This made Gimli chuckle a bit. Apparently the elf was throughly enjoying himself.

Once again the slow man jabbed at him and the elf jumped back just in time. The man stopped and tried to catch his breath. Legolas simply placed an elbow on the wall and smiled at the man. His eyes showed excitement and joy. Then in a gentle voice that spoke of friendship, the blonde elf asked, "Shall we call it a truths for now. I see no point in continueing; do you?" The man shook his head, his tongue was on the brink of hanging out. "Good. Now what's your name?"

"Brego."

"Well, Brego, you gave me quite a challange. I haven't had such an exciting match for a while now." The elf took his free hand and put in Brego's shoulder. A smile came upon the gray haired man's bearded lips. Finally, the man stood straight and placed the dagger back in its sheath. Legolas stood straight as well and tossed his knife back on the tray. Brego held out his hand and the two shook. Yet, just then, the hot headed blonde Trimlion, made a daring move; for he had snuck up behind the Mirkwood prince.

With a quick thrust of his arms, Trimlion sent his dagger forward, almost catching the elf with it's point. Luckily, Legolas had heard him behind him and ducked down. His legs came about and tripped the man, only for his vision to go white. In a quick flash, the man fell to the floor, his dagger clanged against the ground. Brego yelled at the foolish and child and then looked at his new aquaintance. The elf had passed out on the floor and now lay beneath the blonde headed man.

A shout came from the doors, and Daranth ran to his master. "Legolas!" He was afraid what had happened, afraid Trimlion had caught his blade on him; or worse, the illness was taking it's toll. Seeing his friend fall made the dwarf drop his axe and curse the blonde headed human. With his arms he tossed the boy off. Leaving Trimlion dazed and against the wall. Gimli flipped the elf on his back and stared in his face. There were no sign of the flesh being cut, but the elf had closed his eyes.

By that time, Daranth had made it to the fallen prince. Without saying anything, he lifted up his master and carried him off. The dwarf followed close behind. Brego and Trimlion stood there, each of them as confused as the other. Mainley looked on at them from one eye, and became unaturally curious.

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Cliffies are so much fun! But, you don't have to wait that long, for I always try to update fast. I'd like to thank all you have reviewed, and who will continue to review I hope.

Thank-you for reading at least this far, and I hope the story doesn't get boring. Don't worry, I won't end every chapter from now on with a cliffie. There will be closure once in a while. Once. Na, I'm just kidding.

Read on...

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