Title: "Savior & Destroyer"

Author: LegolasLover2003 aka Ashley

Category: Book - "Lord of the Rings"

Genre: Angst/Adventure

Rating: T

Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to "The Lord of the Rings". I just adore it to pieces! Characters Mirial, Vani, Legede, and Tileng are of my own invention however. You may use them, but please ask permission to do so first.

Author's Note: Make sure you remember the "Words to know" below because I didn't provide translations in this chapter. Most are very common Sindarin phrases.
Also, there is only an Epilogue to the story and then a preview of what's to come in this story's sequel. So yes, this is the last true chapter of the story. However, tune in for the epilogue to find out just what that note which Aragorn shoved into his pocket said...
And, I'm sorry that this story wasn't updated in, literally, forever. I hope the ending is well worth the wait.

NOTE: Please read the one-short story, "The Breaking Point" because it pertains to some of the conversation between Legolas and Thranduil in this chapter. If you don't read it (the story takes place during chapter 5 of "Savior & Destroyer") then you may be a bit lost during that father/son moment.

# # #
Words to know:
Ada - Father
Mellon nin - My friend
Ion nin - My Son
Diheno nin - Forgive me
Hannon le - Thank you
Sidh - Peace
Hir Thranduil - King Thranduil
Hir nin - My Lord
U-moe edaved - There is nothing to forgive
Iston - I know
# # #

Savior & Destroyer

# # #

Chapter 11: As It Should Be

# # #
"Estel?"

The smiling face of Aragorn, was the first thing that Legolas saw when he woke.

"How?"

The human laid a calming hand on the archer's shoulder. "Sidh, mellon nin. You have been unconscious for a very long time."

Startled by this information, Legolas looked around, though the Elf made sure he did not move his head too much. He was exhausted, his mind spun with dizziness, and he felt weak.

Very, very weak.

"You are alive and well!" he exclaimed upon realizing where he truly was. "We are in Rivendell and you are finally safe, but... what happened?"

"You went unconscious from the arrow's poison. Do not be so happy to see me, Legolas. 'Twas my fault you were asleep this long."

Confusion set itself in prince's eyes. "I… I do not understand. I thought…"

"Remember the drink I gave you, Legolas? The one after the arrow?" Aragorn asked and, at the Elf's slight nod, he continued. "I… I used too many sleeping herbs. It could have killed you."

Legolas smiled. "But I am alive, Estel."

"But you are not yet well." Aragorn replied. "Rest. We can talk once you have gotten some healing sleep."

The Elf hardly argued and, after a few moments, Legolas' eyes glazed over in Elvish dreams.

# # #
"Then, El thought that Ro was going to walk through the door, but it turned out to be Glorfindel instead and…"

A soft laugh from the doorway alerted both Mirkwood Elf and young human to the appearance of their visitor. Lord Elrond walked into the room with a smile.

"Entertaining the prince with stories of your brother's antics?" he asked, shaking his head. "I have good news, Legolas." The Elf Lord spoke.

Sitting in the room's bed, was the archer. His arm was still bandaged, but the color had returned to his fair cheeks. Even the marks of the noose on his neck were almost faded.

"Please tell me that news is that I can get out of bed."

Elrond smiled once more, "Not quite. No doubt Estel has already told you of Vani's recovery?"

Legolas nodded, "He has." The prince glanced to the young human who sat in a chair beside the bed. "And that the twins have gone with Glorfindel to aid in setting things right in her village."

"Vani will be the new head of the town." Elrond added. "With a little help from us, she should be able to do away with the likes of Tileng and his men."

"To restore proper order." Aragorn put in with his own smile. "As it should be."

The Elven Lord sighed ever so slightly, "But Mirial is still missing and…"

"I doubt she will return, ada." The man spoke. "Not with a contingent of Elves in the vicinity. The village is under your protection, she dare not stand against the might of the Eldar."

"True." Elrond nodded, "But scouts have been sent to find her nevertheless."

At the mention of Mirial's name, Legolas had grown very silent. Both Elf Lord and human watched the prince carefully before the blond Elf raised his eyes.

"What?"

Aragorn smiled, "Reflecting?"

"No." Legolas admitted. "More like vowing vengeance should our paths ever cross again."

At this, the man raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Here I thought you would never swear the death of any save Orc and Goblin kind."

"Yes well, Mirial is the exception." The Elf put in, running one hand over his unnaturally short hair.

To his relief, the twins had helped him cut it to where it looked like he only had hair down to the bottom of his pointed ears. But it was still a rather unpleasant reminder of the last couple of weeks.

"Then this piece of news should make you feel a bit better." Elrond spoke up, breaking both archer and man out of their own thoughts.

"Lord Thranduil is expected to arrive in Imladris tonight."

Legolas' blue eyes went wide and his face immediately drained of all color. "Oh no…"

# # #
"And my son, how does he fare?"

Elrond smiled, "Quite well, I assure you." The Elven Lord looked to the blond Elf who walked beside him.

Thranduil, Legolas' father and King of Mirkwood, heaved a sigh of relief at that. "When I got your message, I feared the worst. You had told me he was lost in the mountains. Do you realize the sorts of horrible predicaments my mind came up with?"

"Probably some quite close to those of my own imagination." Elrond said, his smile remaining. "Come now, Thranduil. He is found and safe, albeit a bit worse for wear but nothing that should not heal with time."

The Elvenking raised an eyebrow, "How much time?"

"Time enough for me to enjoy the rest of my holiday here, ada." Came Legolas' voice from the end of the corridor.

For a moment, Thranduil's expression was unreadable. Father and son stood but feet apart, watching one another carefully.

Suddenly, a smile broke out on the Elvenking's face and he reached out one arm. He grasped the archer by the uninjured shoulder, pulling the prince into a half hug. Legolas smiled as well, and would have wrapped his arm around the elder Elf if it had not been in a sling.

"It is good to see you well, ion nin." Thranduil whispered softly.

"And you, ada." The prince returned before pulling away.

Thranduil's smile remained. "Lord Elrond tells me that you are mending well."

Nodding, the archer glanced over his shoulder. "Estel, I am far from dead. You can come out now."

Trying to stifle his own laughter, Elrond watched as the young man moved into the Elvenking's line of sight. "Forgive me, your Highness. I meant no disrespect and…"

"You are both alive and well." Thranduil spoke, though his tone was far colder than it had been when speaking with the prince. "And you saved my son's life above that. There is no need of apology."

Sighing in relief, Aragorn smiled. "I thought for a moment he would kill me." The man whispered, the words garnering a laugh from Legolas.

"You? I was more worried about…"

"Yes well, continue to worry, Legolas." Thranduil added, "Your holiday is up in a couple of days and, kindly, Lord Elrond has asked me to remain here until that time. You will have myself and the house guard as escort back home."

Legolas blinked, "Wait… house guard?"

"And here I thought you would be bed ridden." Came another voice.

Smiling, Legolas rushed forward and, with his good arm, grabbed the shoulder of the Elf whom had appeared around the corner. "Legede!"

The elder Elf, his hair pure white, smiled. "Aye… your father had me worried sick, as did you."

"Father did?"

Legede nodded, "I thought he would worry himself to death when…"

A slight cough from Thranduil however, drew attention toward him. "Perhaps discussing my condition as to my son's safety is best done at a later time?"

Smiling, Legede nodded. "Of course, hir nin."

However, the Elvenking could not suppress his own smile.

Legolas was safe, and in a few days he would be well.

All was as it should be…

# # #
"Diheno nin, ada." Legolas whispered when he and his father were alone.

The prince stood near the balcony, looking out over the view of Rivendell. It was a view that he loved, for it always calmed his heart.

"For what, Legolas?" the Elvenking asked.

Thranduil himself was near the fireplace, watching the flames flicker and dance in the darkness.

Night had fallen long ago.However, in the middle of his sleep, Legolas had awoken from a terrible nightmare. Elves rarely saw such horrible visions in their sleep, but the prince had and it had taken the realization that he was alive and well, and that his father was close at hand, to calm him once more. Having not wanted to wake Aragorn, whom the prince thought could always use the extra sleep, he had sought out Legede in hopes of alleviating his fear.

Yet it was his father whom he found, awake and up at such an ungodly hour of the night.

"I am keeping you from your rest and…"

Thranduil stood, crossing over the wooden floor to rest a hand on his son's shoulder. "What is it that troubles you, ion nin? Even in your joy, I can see the pain in your eyes."

"I fear the reaction of the people, ada..." Legolas whispered, his gaze on the darkened landscape beyond the balcony.

The Elvenking shook his head, running one hand gently over his son's shortened hair. "One's hair, Legolas, does not make an Elf. You are proud and brave, strong and determined, kind and gentle... do you think these traits to have disappeared with your cut away warrior plaits?

The prince looked away, his good arm absently rubbing his injured one. "I..." Legolas visibly winced, trying to hide the tears in his blue eyes. "I..."

"Legolas..." Thranduil whispered, turning his son to face him and pulling the young Elf close, his arm wrapping around the archer's uninjured limb.

The warmth and love which Legolas felt, caused his masked exterior to break, and the prince began to weep, taking solace in his father's embrace.

It was many long minutes before Legolas could even speak again, and even then his eyes were clouded with remaining tears. "Ada... I am not what... what you think... I..."

"I know." The Elvenking replied softly. "Elrond told me of your injures, Legolas... of all of your injuries..."

He shook his head, looking up at his father. "Diheno nin, ada..." the prince pleaded. "Dihe..."

Thranduil frowned, the expression interrupting the archer's pleading. "U-moe edaved, Legolas... You have been injured, both physically and mentally... But you are not weaker for this travesty. No... you are stronger, made all the more so because you did what you thought was right. How could I ever fault you for that?" the Elvenking's smile turned into a sad smile. "You saved the life of your friend... even if he is but a mere human."

"Ada..." Legolas sighed, but there was a hint of a smile on his fair face. His tears were beginning to dry, but that did not stop his response. "Ada, Estel is more than a 'mere human'."

"Iston. Iston. He is your friend." Thranduil replied, waving a hand to dismiss the matter as he released Legolas from his arms. "But that does not excuse what..."

But Legolas shook his head, "No, ada... Estel really is more than a 'mere human'." the prince smiled. "Estel is the hope of Middle-earth, ada... He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and heir to the throne of Gondor."

For many moments, Thranduil stared at his son as if the prince had gone mad. But Legolas' expression did not change.

The Elf spoke the truth, Thranduil could see it clearly in his son's eyes, and yet...

"Valar..." the Elvenking whispered, literally collapsing into the chair nearby. "Valar, Legolas... how long have you known?"

The prince smiled softly, "Ever since I met him, ada. When he was but a very small boy."

"And you did not tell me?" there was hurt in the elder Elf's voice, blue eyes looking up into the archer's own gaze.

Legolas nodded, "Elrond swore me to secrecy. I would never had known had Elladan and Elrohir not gotten drunk on wine during the Yule celebration." the prince moved forward, sitting in the chair beside the Elvenking. "Diheno nin, ada... But you must understand that... that this is perhaps the greatest secret in all of this Middle-earth. If the forces of darkness, including those around our own home, were to learn of this truth... Estel, nay Aragorn, would be hunted down and murdered simply because of the name which he bears."

A sigh escaped Thranduil and he reached out, taking one of Legolas' hands in his own. "All this time... All this time I thought you to have befriended him simply out of spite or with some point to prove to me, Legolas... Never would I have imagined this friendship to be so dire."

"Then you understand why I gave up myself?" the prince whispered, afraid of his father's reaction. "You understand that I had to... I had to draw attention away from him... If he were to die..."

"I understand." Thranduil replied with a soft smile. "But will Elrond not be infuriated with you for telling me this most precious secret?"

At this however, Legolas returned his father's smile. "Actually... when Lord Elrond told me you were expected to arrive, I begged him to allow me to tell you of Estel's true identity. I knew you would never betray such an important secret, ada... and..."

"And you were afraid of my reaction had I learned you nearly died for a 'mere human'?"

Legolas nodded.

The Elvenking smiled once more. "Sometimes, you infuriate me, Legolas... and sometimes... sometimes I am more proud of you than you could ever imagine."

Legolas returned his father's smile. "Hannon le, ada..." the prince whispered tiredly.

"Now, you need to get some sleep." Thranduil spoke, releasing his son's hand and standing. He picked up one of the nearby blankets and carefully draped it about the prince's form. "I want you to sleep... Elrond would skin us both if you went without rest, ion nin."

Once more, the younger Elf smiled, nodding his head slightly. "Will you stay with me?"

Thranduil nodded in reply. "I would not have it otherwise."

Exhaustion washed over Legolas then, and as he drifted off into healing peaceful Elven dreams, he smiled.

It was good to be safe... and with those who truly loved him.

# # #
"What you did was foolish and rash, young human." Thranduil spoke, his back to Aragorn.

Estel meanwhile, could not bring himself to look anywhere but at the prince's peaceful resting features.

The sun had risen brightly over Rivendell, not a cloud in the sky. However, no more than half an hour earlier, Aragorn had entered Legolas' room, only to find the archer asleep in one of the chairs with Thranduil watching over him. The elder Elf was standing near the mantle, Estel having found a comfortable spot near the balcony from which to look on. It was, strangely enough, the same place in which Legolas had been standing the night before.

Now however, Aragorn feared he was in for the lecture of his life.

"Your Highness, I..."

The Elvenking turned, holding up a hand to silence the man. "And for that, I am most glad."

This startled the human. It was not like Legolas' father to give a compliment to a mortal, especially a mortal who had very nearly gotten the prince killed.

"If it were not for you, Aragorn, Legolas would be dead right now."

Estel shook his head. "Nay, for it was my fault this happened to him. He did this to protect me, my lord. He..." but suddenly, the human blinked in surprise. "Wait... you..." Estel visibly winced. "You know who I am?"

Thranduil nodded, "Legolas told me... and if he had not, I fear I would have far stronger words to speak against you, Arathornion. As it is however... I am in your debt for bringing my son home in one piece."

"He..." Estel nodded, bowing to the Elf before him. "He will be well, Hir Thranduil... His injuries will heal with time and..."

"Some hurts," Thranduil spoke softly. "Never truly heal, Aragorn. I ask you to remember this in days or years to come, for if my son has not already confided these hurts in you... he will do so one day, I fear."

The man shook his head, his grey gaze moving to remain strictly on Legolas once more. "His hurts, hir nin?"

"I will not speak of them." Thranduil replied, watching Legolas and the glint of the firelight on his son's face. "It is for Legolas to tell, and for him alone. But know this, Aragorn... if he is ever hurt because of you again..." he left the rest unsaid.

Nodding, Estel bowed before the Elvenking. "I swear to you, hir nin... I will do everything in my power to protect your son, my dearest friend. However..." at this, the man smirked, locking his gaze with that of the Elf. "I can not promise anything where his own stubborn will is concerned.

For a moment, no one spoke.

Then, Thranduil laughed, a smile on his regal features. "Fair enough, Aragorn... fair enough."

# # #

To Be Continued...

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Review Responses:

olwyen: My music videos can be accessed from my ff dot net profile, or from my website (which is in my profile). At the moment, I need to re-upload a few videos because FileFront felt it fun to delete them BEFORE their time in the deletion queue had passed.

Deana: And here is chapter 11! Sorry to keep you waiting so long... hug

lindaholyland: Thanks!

Attiqah Gensui: Don't worry, I've got a sequel in the mix... if I can find it on my other computer or on one of my burned discs. It'll take place in Lake Town and Mirkwood mainly... and some old enemies will return!

Aranna Undomiel: Music clip? I'm confused... which isn't hard cause this is the week before finals which is actually WORSE than finals themselves. I like Legolas torture, it's fun to write, but more fun to read in my opinion. If you know any good angsty fics, throw them my way! I'll be glad to read them.

aussiesportstar: Cheese wheels have babies? I WANNA SEE! Thranduil's been mad at me less lately though. He's a bit confused... you'll find out why in my Muse Moment for this chapter.

SirNotAppearingInThisFilm: You'll find out the note in the Epilogue. I promise. Though, to be perfectly honest... I'm not quite sure what it says. All I know is that it's from Tileng. I may have it hint at things from my short one-shot fiction "The Breaking Point". Or I might not. Haven't decided yet. But I'll have to disagree with you on the Anakin bit... Hayden is... twitch Not my favorite person. I'm more the Obi-Wan type of girl. Hehehe.

Elenillor: You'll find out who attacked them in the Epilogue. Promise.

Irukapooka: NO! NOT IN THE LEAST! Actually, in my GaiaOnline LOTR RPG, Legolas and his wife Sallia's new daughter is going to be named Vani, after Vani... But this is not a LegolasxVani romance. They will become friends, and she might pop up again in a fanfic later down the road. Her village will be very close with Rivendell, and the people will learn much from the Elves... but Legolas will not fall in love with her. She's infatuated with him in the sense that he's an Elf... but no true love. Sorry. Oh, and I always pick on Legolas. I think it has something to do with the fact that, in the movies, he was NEVER hurt. Even though in the novels, during the Battle of Pelennor Fields, it stated that only Aragorn, Eomer, and Imrahil were unscathed... which leads me to believe Legolas was hurt. I kind of thing PJ threw back to that with the scene in ROTK where they're in the Minas Tirith palace and Legolas is standing there, holding one arm. If you notice, throughout the films, Orlando stands in what is termed as the Neutral Position. But in that one single scene, he appears to either be holding his upper left arm, or his right elbow.

lolly pop3: Well, I kinda explained that in my response above. See, if you look at how Legolas stands in every other scene throughout LOTR, he's standing in the Neutral position. This is a position that is meant to keep attention from being drawn on him. Head up, shoulders back, arms down to your sides. However, in the throne room scene, you see Legolas with his arms crossed. One hand is holding his upper left arm, the other is holding his right elbow. This, I think, is an indication that Legolas was injured. Be it a hurt arm or hurt ribs (cause doing that actually helps when your ribs hurt). There is also a passage in ROTK that states that Aragorn, Eomer, and Imrahil remained unscathed during the Battle of Pelennor Fields, which leads me to believe that Legolas was, at least, somewhat injured.

Joy: Ouch... that's harsh.

katquest2000: It's being finished as we speak. All that's left is the Epilogue. Sorry for how long it's taken.

yllon21: The King? As in Thranduil? No... he's just happy Legolas is alive.

Girlie G: And here's the update you've waited so long for! Enjoy!

# # #

Muse Moments:

"Watching 'Harry Potter' again, I see."
Nil turned, one eyebrow raised as she saw Thranduil in the doorway.
"Yes well, I like it."
The Elvenking laughed, "You do not like it, Nil... you like..." he pointed to a figure on the screen. "Him."
Nil blushed, "He's just a wonderful villain is all."
"And?"
The woman sighed, rolling her eyes and pausing the movie on a perfect capture of Lucius Malfoy. "Okay, you want the truth? He looks like my mental image of you. When I write you, I write Lucius. Granted it's a much nicer version of Lucius..."
"Well, seeing how I highly doubt Lucius would shed a tear if Draco was injured..." Thranduil began, until the woman cut him off.
"Have you even read my story, 'The Difference Between Life and Dreams', Thranduil? DO YOU EVEN KNOW!!!"
The Elf backed off slightly. "As long as I get the story-time that I think I am entitled too... then I have no qualms over where you get your inspiration of me. Just make sure you steer clear of..."
Nil waved a hand dismissively. "Steer clear of abuse and slash with you, got it. Besides, I've never seen you in such a light anyway."
Thranduil nodded. "This story is nearly over, is it not?"
"It is."
"And?"
"And the next one will take place, partially, in Mirkwood. So you'll get even more story-time."
The Elvenking smiled, "Excellent." he turned to leave until Nil's voice stopped him.
"And where do you think you're going?"
"Me?" Thranduil replied with a laugh. "Legolas, Estel, and Paris just brought back 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End'. I thought you might..."
But before the Elf could finish his sentence, Nil was off like a bolt of lightning.
Thranduil shook his head, laughing softly. "Yo ho... Yo ho... A Pirate's Life For Nil..."