This chapter was considerably faster, right? I mean I updated on the 30th of December and it hasn't even been a whole month yet! Now we are already in 2004! Anywho.

Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings or anything even distantly related to it. Any lines you recognize are either Tolkien's or Peter Jackson's who are both, in my opinion, geniuses. Unless however it is a line I tend to repeat throughout the story. I do own Ithil! Go me! Well, at least the character Ithil in this story. I do not own the name. It is an elvish word invented by Tolkien which would therefore mean, the name is his invention. But the character is mine. Boo ya! Go me!

Happy b-day Orli! 27!

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Legolas looked over at the twins who did not look at all surprised at his request. The merely said, "We'll be around." They winked at Legolas before continuing. "Creating mischief and wreaking havoc if you need us."

Legolas threw them a grateful look while their father threw them an exasperated look. They laughed and left whistling merrily. Now it was only Estel, Lord Elrond, and his father. Estel stepped up closer to Legolas and said quietly: "I just want you to know that I'm here if you need me." He left the offer standing as he trailed off. Legolas smiled and said, "I know, mellon nin. I know.hannon le." Estel smiled back though there was sadness etched into his eyes. He turned and walked away slowly, unknowingly following in his brothers' footsteps.

Now, Legolas was left alone with his father and Lord Elrond. In fact, Legolas began to wonder why he had not seen his brother. He had just begun to worry something might have happened, when suddenly Ithil burst in on the scene. He looked as though he had just run from the other side of Imladris, which was in fact where Legolas' room was. He saw Legolas and immediately said: "Where have you been! You had me worried, Legolas!" Then suddenly his stern face left and a softer one appeared with eyes full of brotherly love. "I missed you, muindor nin."

Legolas smiled sadly and replied, "I missed you also."

Now Elrond said, "You do not have to speak of it now, if that is your wish, Legolas." Legolas looked over at his brother, then at his father and took a deep breath. "I will tell the story now, and mayhap my dreams will not be so dark." His tone sounded as though he was trying to convince himself of what he just said. He prayed silently to the Valar to give him strength and began his tale.

"I daresay Ithil has told what he knows. Now I shall continue on, where he could not."

~~~~~~

Legolas did not know how long they stayed there. He felt the tale had gone for hours and hours on end, even though he was an elf and did not normally feel the passing of time. Some places he would falter and have horrible memories. There he would need to breathe in deep and remember that his father had promised he was safe now. He was not able to look at his father or Ithil or Lord Elrond, because he was sure if he saw their faces he would not be able to continue.Finally he finished his part of the tale and dared to look up. They all had tears upon their faces and suddenly Ithil burst out: "I am so sorry, Legolas!"

Legolas looked at him confused and asked, "Why?"

Ithil replied: "This is my entire fault! You would never have had to gone through this if I had not deserted you. And all the time you were there you got tortured because you would not give the whereabouts of me!"

Suddenly Legolas understood the look in his brother eyes that he had had since when Legolas saw him again. Ithil blamed himself. Legolas looked straight into his brothers' eyes and responded: "Ithil, le lasto an enni. Do not blame yourself for this! You did not desert me. You had to leave. Or do you think it would have been better if Saruman had had both of us to torture? Do you really think he would have given me up just because he had you? Nay, my brother. You did the right thing. Please do not blame yourself." Legolas held his brother's eyes until Ithil finally looked away, unable to hold the intense look in Legolas' eyes. "Please," said Legolas again.

Ithil looked up once more and replied, "Very well, Legolas. I shall try not to, but I am not making any promises. For the guilt of your pain lies heavy upon my heart."

Legolas turned to look at his father who had still said nothing. The proud elven king once more had tears shining in his eyes and on his face. Lord Elrond's eyes shone with tears also, though they did not fall as many as his fathers' tears.

"Legolas," his father finally croaked out, though he did not finish the sentence.

Legolas waved his hand slightly and said, "Let us just forget about it. It is the past now and should not hold any effect over me anymore. I always seem to bring chaos with me to your household when I visit, Lord Elrond. I apologize for that and ask your forgiveness. I also wanted to thank you for your kindness in putting up with me and healing my wounds."

The first part was in a strange tone and as he said it, he lowered his face. Elrond could have sworn he saw a flash of pain in his eyes as he spoke about forgetting the past, but when he looked up again his eyes were devoid of any emotion. Elrond knew that Legolas could never forget the past, but he sure seemed to be trying to. Elrond nodded to help him along and said, "Yes, perhaps we can find some food. I doubt Legolas has had a good decent meal in a while and there will be a feast tonight in his honor."

Legolas blushed slightly before responding, "Thank you, brannon nin. I am honored that you should have a feast just for me."

"Nonsense, little Greenleaf," said Elrond with a twinkle in his eye. Legolas blushed and Ithil laughed. Thranduil wrapped his arm around his son's waist to give him support. Legolas looked gratefully at him and hugged his father tightly. They began their walk towards the rooms to get ready.

~~~~~

The way there, his father was still quiet. He had only said one word since Legolas' story, and that had been his name. He had left some parts out of the tale, such as the flames. He did not want pity, and nor did he want his father to feel worse. And if he was quite honest with himself, he did not want to relive that torture and he knew he would if he spoke of it. He did not know if his father or anyone else and realized that he had left out a major part of his tale.

When they arrived at his room, Elrond helped him to a chair and left, sensing Thranduil wanted to be alone with his son. Ithil also left, after making sure his brother was ok and comfortable. As soon as they both left, Thranduil stood up and walked over to the window. When he turned back around, there were tears in his eyes. "I am truly sorry, ion nin. Maybe if I had sent warriors with you, you would not have been through the torture you had to survive. Legolas, look at me."

Legolas looked up into his father's bright eyes and Thranduil said, "Tell me truthfully. Did you leave something out of your tale?"

Legolas' eyes widened at the mention of that, and he knew he could not lie. He never was able to. He replied after a few long seconds, "Yes, adar. I am sorry. Maybe, I will be able to speak of it someday.and when I can.you will be the first to know. I promise. But please, for the moment, do not ask of me to speak of it. It will bring to many nightmares with it."

"Very well," answered the Elvenking. "Now, maybe we should get ready for the feast. You can't be missing when its in honor of you.though you've been known to do just that. Let's find you something nice to wear. Perhaps Elladan or Elrohir have something you can borrow?"

"Perhaps," responded Legolas without really thinking about it. What was really on his mind was a young human ranger. His father sensed this and said, "I'll just let you find them on your own, alright?"

"Hannon le, ada," replied Legolas.

His father left the room and Legolas also left the room, albeit more slowly and with a limp. He soon made it to a room near Elladan and Elrohir's and knocked in a rhythmic sounding knock five times. Tap tap tap tap tap.

'Tap tap' a knock sounded back. The door opened slowly and Estel's face appeared at the door. He opened it all the way at seeing Legolas. "Why have you come, Legolas?" asked Estel.

"You know perfectly well why, Estel. I have seen the sense of betrayal in your eyes. Saes, mellon nin, do not think that I do not trust you. That is not the reason I did not speak of my torture in front of you. I am just not ready. I promise that when the time comes.you will hear the story, though I think you might not find it so entertaining."

The young ranger looked into Legolas' eyes and replied, "I know, mellon nin. I know." Estel said using Legolas' words earlier without realizing it. Then he grinned wolfishly. "Now what say we get ready for the feast tonight. I have heard stories in which you chose to.how shall I put this? Ah yes! Not show up for your own feast." He trailed off leaving the sentence hanging while he tried to control his laughter.

"Yes, Estel. Perhaps we should." Legolas said diplomatically though his eyes betrayed other feelings. Playfulness and also torment..pain and wisdom.Legolas.

*~end flashback~*

Legolas smiled sadly and shrugged. "That, my friends, is pretty much the entire tale. There is not much more to say."

He finally dared to look up at everyone's faces.

~~~~~

Omigosh! Aren't you all so proud of me! I actually updated before a month! Go me! *does victory dance* Eep! That, *cough* was not a.cliffie.was it? Looks around nervously..Yay! I finally got back to the present! The fellowship is back and I can't wait to find out what they are going to do! Please, please, please update soon! Oh. Wait. This isn't a review is it? Darn it. I have to write the chapter, don't I? :: starts to write next chapter::

Soon! I will attempt to update soon! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ORLANDO! Orli turned 27 today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARA! My friend Sara had a birthday also! She turned, ::cough:: 88. ::cough:: I must have something in my throat. Anywho.. This chapter shall be dedicated to: Saragorn the Acorn King.

Btw: When you guys have a birthday, let me know. Then I can make sure to mention it in the chapter so people all over the world can wish you a happy b-day along with me! Thanx a ton for all the lovely reviews.

Question: Which is heavier: a.) A ton of bricks b.) A ton of feathers c.) They are equal. Go ahead and put the answer in your review. And now, review replies!

Bookworm, .303: Thank you. I have also noticed that. I wince when I look at the first few chapters.Thanx to helpful reviewers and paying attention in English class.I have learned much since then.not nearly enough however. Soon you will see their reaction! Next chapter! I promise!

Colagreenleaf: Thanx! That makes me feel so special! I hope you continue to read!

Silver kitsune: Whoa. Ok let me reply to each chapter review.

1: Thank you.even though you have read the first chapter when you wrote that! *blush*

2: I love the tongue of elvish. I'm sure I must have some elvish blood in me! I am Irish! *6 inch dwarves look at Irish QT strangely.* Hey! Don't be mean.I know being Irish is irrevelent! Grr.. they annoy me.

3: A class? Wow.thanks! Greebwood forest? Nope..i didn't know that.jk..I know you mean Greenwood. Yes, I knew.Thank you for telling me though! I always love it when reviewers give me facts! And helpful advice! You guys are what make the story go on! Thank you so much!

4: Yes. In the beginning he wasn't so bad.but then he was a bad wizard. *Drags Saruman over and slaps him on hand* Bad Sharky! So I made him an evil corrupt wizard.*thinks for a second* wait.he is a corrupt wizard isn't he? Hmm

5: Yes. Gimli is cool. Very cool. My friend is called Gimli. Anywho.

6: Yes, but at least you weren't reading while I had the cliffie up! *Smiles and nods* I. Am. An. Optimist.

7: Yes.alive. *cough*

8: Yes, Estel is Aragorn. That was the name the elves called him and I like to think him and Legolas were like brothers to each other.

9: Oh.Mari is a good friend of mine.sorry if I confused you..its a joke between us. I shall try to update soon! Wait. I did update..anywho.thank you!

Reverspots: yeah, they must be! You will find out their reactions next chapter! I promise!

Lainfaer: I do seem to end the chapter in the worst place, don't I? *giggles* Oops.here you go! Not that the end of this chapter is much better.I will try to update soon!

Aly K: Whoa.did you guys like all get together or something.suddenly everyone is asking about the Fellowship's reactions! Creepy. No longer coincidence, conspiracy. Lol, I laughed when you said, "let me tell you something.JERK!" I mean it. I literally like fell out of my chair and I don't know why I found it so amusing, but I did!

Orlibloomsgirl: Thank you for reviewing, Alyssa! That makes me feel very special! I hope school is going good!

Ok. I promise I will try to update SOON. Thank you everyone who reviewed! You inspired me!