Side Note: Here, bitchylemonaddict. *hands Falcon over again* But do have him back again for the next chapter. By the way, if anyone wants to use my original characters, they're welcome to. I've had a couple of inquiries. It's ok; just tell me first.

Note: Only the unknown characters are mine! The rest are J.R.R. Tolkien's creation. Elvish speech is in ''. Takes place a day and a half after the last chapter. Anyone want me to write another sequel to this, taking place during LOTR? Just curious.

Arrival

Part 10

Falcon now rode in front of his brother, who held him securely, as they finally reached the borders of the Misty Forest. His leaf-shaped necklace was around his neck once more, flashing in the light of the sun.

Legolas and Aragorn could see where the forest's name was derived, for mist swirled around it, cool and moist on the faces. Only Falcon seemed unaffected by it, for he was used to it.

The group rode into the forest, as the blind elf carefully explained where the traps where, using his memories to aid him.

'We will probably be stopped by a patrol,' the Lord of the Forest told them. 'If we are, only I will speak. It would be an insult if one of you spoke.'

'Why?' Aragorn questioned.

Falcon sighed. 'Tis one of the rules. I am the Lord here, and even I do not understand all of the rules. Please do as I say, for we do not need more trouble. My former captors are probably on their way here.'

Legolas nodded. 'Agreed. You know this land best, Falcon.'

Aragorn and Legolas urged the horses onward, and were surprised when the mist seemed to hover around them, instead of hindering their journey.

Falcon sensed their surprise. 'I did tell you I am the Lord here,' he reminded them. 'It will never bar my way. But if you were alone, it may or may not have. Legolas is my twin, after all.'

Legolas grinned. 'The mist might have mistaken me for you?'

A gentle laugh escaped from the blind elf. 'Perhaps,' he murmured.

Aragorn was amused as well. He jested, 'When did mist suddenly get eyes?'

'When strangers enter,' a neutral voice answered.

Aragorn and Legolas tensed at the sight of a small Elven force blocking their way. Falcon inclined his head, for he, of course, could not see them.

'Who are you, and who do you give your allegiance to? If you swear it to us and our leader, you are welcome. If not, depart and return from whence you came,' one of the younger, more arrogant Elves boasted.

'If you desire peace, pretender, then return to your home. But I am the true and rightful Lord, and it is you who must swear allegiance to me,' Falcon announced regally, an inner strength in his calm voice.

Legolas was surprised at how majestic his brother suddenly looked. His head was higher, and a strange light seemed to shimmer around him as he spoke.

The other Elves frowned and strode over, to get a closer look of the blind Elf.

'Lord Falcon?' the eldest questioned, stunned by the sight of the cataracts.

'Tis I, along with my brother and his friend. I know this has come as somewhat of a shock to you, but I shall explain all later. For now, we need to reach the castle,' Falcon told them all.

The necklace around his neck was the proof of his claim, at least to the older Elves. They bowed to the blind Elf, and gestured for the group to continue.

Aragorn and Legolas remained silent, as Falcon had bid. They rode silently, followed by the Elven guards.

The Elven youth that had been boastful was shooting glares at the blind Elf, until Legolas finally turned and glared back. He'd felt the glares being shot at his brother. The younger Elf made a face, and Aragorn shot him a warning look at the face made at his lover. The half Elf had turned when Legolas had. One of their escorts saw the face that the youth was making and looked at him as well, raising an eyebrow slightly. The young Elf finally looked away sullenly.

Falcon had known that he was being watched, but had made no mention of it. He was anxious to reach his home and make certain that it was safe. Legolas and Aragorn gasped as they finally broke through the trees.

Several fragile looking dome-shaped structures, made of what appeared to be crystal, loomed before them. Their color was mostly white, but some were pale blue or pale yellow. They looked like they would shatter with just one touch. The largest was the palace, which was a silvery color. That was what the travelers were heading for.

Numerous Elves, that had many different hair-colors  were going about their day, gathering food, making weapons; anything that needed to be done.

Legolas gazed at a group of children who were playing a game, using their magic to move rocks around. So it wasn't just his brother and Melody who possessed magic, the blond archer thought. As he looked around, he saw that quite a few were using their abilities, on the plants and few trees.

Aragorn was astounded by the different hair colors. Very few were blond, like Legolas and Falcon, but there were quite a few dark-haired Elves. Red hair seemed to be common as well, but none had the exact flaming shade of red that Melody possessed.

Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned towards the strangers who approached. Silence fell over them, as they waited for an explanation from the patrol as to why outsiders had been permitted to enter their haven. Numerous eyes watched the group which was flanked by the guards.

This was a small, shy, secretive group of Elves, who rarely ventured outside of their home. Visitors were unheard of, for none save the Elves who lived here knew of this place, except for the ones that were after the secret their Lord had hidden. Everything that they needed, they either made themselves or went without it.

The eldest guard strode forward. 'Our Lord has returned, along with some friends,' he said, in a clear voice that echoed through the clearing.

A murmur went through the gathered Elves. Disbelief and confusion were the main emotions present, for none that went 'outside' ever returned.

'My people, I know that you doubt me, but I am the rightful ruler here. I did not mean to stay away so long, but it was for a good reason.' Falcon spoke wisely, calming their fears. 'One of our own, whom we believed dead, is alive. Melody lives, and the one who saved her is my twin brother, Prince Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood.'

More murmurs went through the Elves.

An older, red-haired Elf stepped forward. 'My daughter is alive?' he questioned.

Falcon nodded. 'She could not return with me, for she was injured. I am going back to fetch her as soon as my task is finished.'

Nods of approval met those words.

Legolas was glad that Falcon would be leaving again and returning to Rivendell, at least for a short time.

'I shall explain everything when this is over. For now, I ask you to trust me, as you always have,' the Lord of the Forest told them.

More nods were the answer. The Elves turned back to their tasks, and the group continued once more, and finally reached the castle.

Legolas dismounted and assisted his brother, who thanked him. Aragorn smoothly slipped to the ground and walked over.

'You are a very wise ruler,' the half Elf told the blind Elf.

Falcon nodded slowly. 'Before we enter the secret room, we need to bathe and change clothes. None enter the room without doing so, for it is kept pure and untainted.'

'All right,' Legolas murmured. 'Which way?'

'I must speak to the Council of Elders first, but I will have someone escort you both to my bathing room, and bring you some clean clothes. It will give you some privacy to be alone.' The blind Elf gestured to a servant, and made his request. The servant nodded and led Aragorn and Legolas away.

Legolas was surprised that his brother did not have to order things to be done. A simple request was what he used, and it had been answered favorably. Aragorn was not surprised, for Falcon did have dignity and nobility, which showed through. His thoughts drifted to other things when they entered the large bathing room.

A large bath had been prepared, with towels, soap, shampoo, and even massaging oil nearby. Steam rose off of the warm water, which filled the tub nearly to the top. It was almost deep enough to swim in. Flowers hung in baskets from the ceiling, giving off the sweet smell of roses. The floor was bare, but smooth to the touch.

The walls had the same crystal-like look to them that had been present outside, and it shone like spun glass. Legolas wanted to run his hand over it, but was afraid of breaking it.

The servant left long enough to fetch some clean clothes, and set the two piles down next to the bath. He bowed and left, closing and locking the door behind him.

Aragorn and Legolas turned to each other, a smile on their faces. Each walked over to the bath, and quietly removed their clothes, before entering the hot bath. It was a very pleasant experience, indeed, as the warm water soothed away aches and pains, both physical and mental.

Legolas sank up to his chin in the water, feeling his face get flushed from its warmth. He shot a look over at Aragorn, and realized that the half Elf was laughing at him.

'What, pray tell, is so funny?' Legolas demanded, as he titled his head back. He brought a hand up and quickly undid his braids.

Aragorn grinned. 'You were moaning,' he informed his lover. 'Should I be jealous?'

Legolas was embarrassed at those words. 'I simply enjoy bathing,' he muttered, with a challenge in his green eyes, as he looked at his lover.

Aragorn ducked under the water, and made his way over to Legolas. He grabbed the blond Elf by the waist, and yanked him under.

'Hey!' was all that Legolas had time to say in protest, before water entered his mouth and choked him. When he reached the surface, Legolas sputtered and coughed. 'Not funny, Aragorn!' he choked out. The blond Elf scowled at Aragorn, before doing something unexpected.

To be continued