Disclaimer: Middle Earth belongs to Tolkien/New Line, the original storyline belongs to H.-Chr.

*thoughts*

"normal speech"

'elvish'

For warnings see chapter one

Finally another chapter! I'm truly sorry for lack of updates, but I've been incredibly busy. I hope you understand.

chapter 21

Legolas didn't see Aragorn for the next few days and he was glad for it. He desperately nedded some

time for himself to figure out what to do. All he wanted was to run far away from Gondor and from Aragorn,

but where was he supposed to go? His first impulse was to return home, but he wasn't sure if he would be

allowed to enter his father's kingdom with his human body. Wouldn't Thranduil hate him for what he had done?

Apart from that, he didn't want his family to see him in his current state and he most certainly didn't want

them to watch him die of a broken heart.

After that fateful morning in the library, Legolas had accepted that his death was inevitable; but he didn't care

anymore. He had known what he was doing when he had accepted Saruman's offer and would gladly do it again

if that meant, that he could be near Aragorn, if only for a short time.

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Aragorn still felt awful, he had spent the past weak trying to convince himself, that he had done the right thing.

During that time, he had successfully avoided meeting Gavin, but he knew that this couldn't go on. He missed

his friend's company and, even more important, he was behaving very selfishly. After all, the boy had no idea what

was troubeling him and was probably concerned that he had unknowingly done something wrong. At least in front

of himself, Aragorn no longer denied that he was hopelessly in love with Gavin and no matter what Faramir or anyone

else told him, this, at least, he knew for sure. But knowing both, that the boy didn't return his feelings and that Gondor

needed the alliance with Rivendell, he had decided to go through with the wedding. After all, Arwen was quite a nice

person when she wasn't jelous. She was beautiful, well-mannered and would make a wounderful queen.

Yes, he was definitely doing the right thing. Then why did he feel like he was just about to make the biggest mistake of his life?

Aragorn shook his head. It was useless to brood about thinks that would never happen. It had taken some time for him to get

his feelings under control, but now he felt that he would be able to face Gavin and act like nothing had happened. He would tell

his friend, that he had been sick and therefor not been able to meet him. Surpressing a sigh, the king of Gondor left his bedroom

to pay a visit to his best friend.

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Saruman was furious. Why had he trust that good-hearted idiot with such an important mission?

"However did you become the king's chief counsellor when you can't even keep that stupid boy away from him?"

"I don't see your problem. Aragorn denied that he ever had feelings for Gavin and will be married to Arwen in less than three month!"

"Yes, but that boy is still there. Do you have any idea how much can happen in tree month? You've got to get rid of him, as fast

as possible."

"What am I supposed to do? I can't force him to leave, he's still the king's best friend."

"There are other ways..."

"I will not hurt Gavin until I am absolutely sure that he is a treat to Gondor or my king." Faramir didn't say that he began to suspect

that Saruman was much more dangerous than Gavin could ever be.

"Oh, that won't be necessary for now." Suddenly, something in Saruman's voice changed and Faramir couldn't

help listening to it. "I think the wedding should take place earlier, maybe in two weeks. You told me that Elrond will arrive tomorrow,

so this shouln't be a problem. I am sure he will be delighted to hear how happy his daughter is in her new home."

"But..."

"What? Worried for the boy? Really, you shouldn't. 'The king's best friend', that is what you called him. Aren't you

supposed to be Aragorn's best friend? Don't you see that boy is only trying to get your king under his influence? Oh, yes,

it's a perfect plan. The king already doesn't know how to live without him and soon, he will make all important decisions in Gondor.

Don't you see? He is using the king as an instrument for his own power. Are you really going to let that happen?"

"I'm not! I will do everything in my power to stop him." Suddenly, all doubts Faramir had had were gone. Now, he felt nothing but

hate for the boy that was playing with Aragorn's feelings. But Gavin would regret it; he, Faramir, would make sure of that.

Saruman watched Faramir disappear on the road back to Gondor, laughing soundlessly. *Oh Legolas, isn't it ironic how easily this

kind man is convinced that you are his greatest enemy, bewitched by *your* lovely voice? I wish I could see your father's face

when he learns of your death*

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Haldir had been riding as fast as possible. He only hoped that he would reach Lothlorien before his beautiful home was completely

destroyed by those foul orcs. His horse was totally exhausted, but he didn't care. All that mattered now, was that his home was safe.

Only a few more minutes and he would be there.

'Haldir! What are you doing here? Weren't you planning to stay in Gondor until the king's wedding?'

Orophin dropped to the ground in front of him, but Haldir didn't answer his brother. Lothlorien was definitely not under attack, which could

only mean that the letter had been a trap to get him away from Gondor. *Legolas*

'Is everythin all right, brother? You look tired; and what ever happened to your horse?'

'I have to get back to Gondor immediately, I'll explain everythin later.' Haldir knew that he had to hurry if he wanted to help his friend. Only

the Valar knew what had happened to Legolas during his absence.

'I don't think so. Haldir, you horse is nearly dead. At least come back to the city and take a fresh horse. You won't come far with this one.'

Knowing, that his brother was right, Haldir nodded.

They walked together in silence. Haldir's thoughts were with Legolas and Orophin knew better than to question his brother. When they

reached the city, they were greeted by a messenger, who requested that Haldir followed him to see the Lady of the Wood. Haldir didn't bother

asking how she knew that he was back.

Haldir was surprised to find that Galadriel was not alone. Her guest was a tall blonde male with amazingly green eyes. He was sure, that they

had never met before, but something about this stranger seemed familiar...

He wasn't too surprised when Galadriel finally spoke. 'This is king Thranduil of Mirkwood. You've probably heard, that he is looking for his

youngest son.'

Haldir nodded.

'About three weeks ago, he recieved an anonymous letter, saying that the prince was in Gondor. You have just arrived from Minas Tirith. Maybe

you can tell us if you have seen any sign of Legolas?'

Haldir swallowed. When he had written that letter, he had only wanted to tell Legolas' family that the prince was save and that there was no need

to worry. He had mentioned a close friendship between Legolas and Aragorn and told that everyone thought him to be a boy called Gavin.

He had, however, kept some minor details to himself, such as the fact that Legolas now had a human body. He'd never

thought that the king would leave his realm to look for his son. * I should have known. What father would ever place his own safety or even that

of his kingdom over his son?* Realizing, that he still had to anser Galadriel's question, he nodded.

'Yes, I have seen him. The prince is in Gondor.' He regretted betraying Legolas, but Thranduil would find out anyway. There was an unreadable

emotion in the king's eyes and Haldir only hoped that it was relief and not anger.

'You have spoken to my son.' This was a statement, not a question and so Haldir did not answer. 'Tell me, why does he prefer the company

of men over that of his own family? Does he still think himself to be in love with that king; and are those humans really stupid enough to believe

he is one of them?'

'I am truly sorry, but this is Legolas' secret and therefor it is him you should ask.'

Strangely enough, Thranduil seemed to be pleased with this answer.

'It seems that my son was right to tell them to you. It is true that he should decide if he wants to confide in me and therefore I will not pressure you.

Just tell me if he is well.'

Haldir slightly relaxed. It was obvious that Thranduil loved his son dearly. Maybe he could still be convinced that Legolas' love was pure and not

some kind of childish obsession and that Aragorn was worthy of those feelings.

'The last time I saw him, he seemed to be very happy.'

Galadriel, who had kept silent during the whole conversation, finally spoke.

'The king will leave for Gondor tommorow morning and has asked me to give him a trustworthy guide to assist him, as he hasn't left his kingdom for

a long time and isn't used to dealing with humans. I would suggest that you accompany him.'

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So what do you think? Please review!

moonlightgodess, Lady Luck, Sairin, the girl who left, Laura, angelbird1224, Renee, Silithril, blue_Sparrow: Thank you so much for your kind reviews!

Anna: No, Faramir's kindness is definitely not pure, but at least Haldir is coming back.

Faer: What can I say? Yes, Faramir is hiding something...

Earendilstar:

michaela: Well, Aragorn already knows heart, but that doesn't really help.

Nina: Elrond will be in the next chapter, Thranduil will arrive later.

cold crystal tears: I can't promise a happy ending, but there is still hope...

whispers of an angel: Did this chapter answer your question?