A/N: As a promised, here is the next chapter. I am sorry I didn't finish it sooner. I hope the wait will be worth it!

Disclaimer: Once again, these are the toys of J.R.R. Tolkien and I don't own anything, with the noted exception of any original characters and plotline.

Previously:

"Most assuredly," answered the wizard, "I shall keep my old friend company while you care for the others."

"Hannon le mellon nín," (Thank you my friend) replied Elrohir, as the twins left their grandfather's side.

Gazing sternly at Celeborn, Mithrandir said, "And you will stay abed this time!"

Celeborn's laugh filled the still air as he answered, "I promise this time, though if I wanted to get up, you could not stop me!"

"Hmmph," was the wizard's only reply, as he watched the elf lord eat.

Chapter 38—Long Talks in the Moonlight

Turning away from the fire, Haldir allowed his eyes to adjust to the darkness, before carefully making his way through the foliage. Though the trees in this wood were tall, they were saplings compared to the beautiful mallorns of his home. Just the thought of the ancient trees made the elf slightly homesick.

Knowing the wood elf was as comfortable high in the branches above as he was beneath them, Haldir did not limit his search to only the forest floor and instead watched the limbs overhead too. After some time, Haldir eventually found the object of his search sitting on a low branch of a large oak tree. He quickly and silently climbed up and sat down next to Legolas.

They sat quietly next to each other, legs swinging from the branch, Haldir waiting for Legolas to make the first move. Eventually the Marchwarden realized the young prince would happily sit there silently until the next age, so he said, "He will not blame you."

"How do you know?" snapped Legolas, "You have never met Estel!"

"You are right," admitted Haldir, "So far I have been robbed of the pleasure of meeting my Lord and Lady's youngest grandchild."

"Haldir…" started Legolas but the elf waved him off.

"No need to explain, my friend, you are upset," replied Haldir.

They sat quietly for another moment before Legolas said, "As you know I am an only child."

"Aye."

"And since the darkness has descended on the Greenwood, we have not been blessed by many births; hence I am among the youngest in Mirkwood."

"Aye," said Haldir yet again, allowing Legolas to continue.

"I do not have much experience with younglings but I felt a connection with the child," Legolas explained, "It is as if my destiny lies with his."

"And now you think you have failed him."

"I have!" declared the young elf hotly, "He will blame me for allowing the men to take him."

"I do not think so."

Glancing sharply at the blonde elf sitting next to him, Legolas replied, "What would you know about it?"

"Much," answered Haldir, meeting Legolas' blue eyes, "Have you forgotten I raised my brothers?"

Suddenly chagrined Legolas said, "Díhena enni mellon nín." (Forgive me my friend.)

"Gohena," (You are forgiven) started Haldir, "But I think raising my brothers has given me insight to little ones, you may lack."

"Oh?"

"Aye," replied Haldir, "Do you desire an explanation?"

"Please."

"As you now remember," explained Haldir, a sad smile on his face, "My parents' untimely demise left two small elflings alone." Taking a deep breath he continued, "I was past my majority but still so very young and some elves within Lothlórien thought I was not mature enough to raise my brothers alone."

A quick look at Legolas showed he now had the elf's undivided attention so he continued, "Still others thought I should not be 'saddled' with the burden of raising my little brothers, that I should have a chance to live my own life. It seemed everyone wished to separate us."

"I argued it was not a 'burden' but a duty I owed my parents. I loved them and wanted to care for Rúmil and Orophin."

A moment later Haldir continued, "It was a long, heated discussion, with many attempting to persuade me that giving up my brothers would be best for all." The Galadhel stopped and gathered himself before continuing, "I would not be persuaded. I felt my parents would wish me to care for my brothers. Thankfully Lord Celeborn intervened and reminded everyone that no one could separate a family, I was not an elfling and had a right to raise my brothers."

"I vowed then and there, not to fail the trust he placed in me and do a good job raising Rúmil and Orophin."

Shaking his head at his own naiveté, Haldir continued, "I learned quickly that I knew nothing of raising elflings. I sometimes felt like I was being pulled in five different directions and I had a new respect for all my naneth had done, while making it look effortless."

Feeling a new wave of sorrow sweep over him, Legolas hurriedly looked away from his companion. He did not really understand what Haldir was talking about, his own naneth died when Legolas was little more than a babe. He may not have understood what his friend meant but that did not mean he did not miss it.

Seeing the pain on his friend's face, the Marchwarden said, "Hiraetha im." (I am sorry.)

Legolas took a steadying breath, before replying, "Im isto," (I know). Meeting Haldir's blue eyes, he added, "You did not mean me further sorrow. Please, continue your tale."

"I was terrified of failing, of proving the others right, but I was too stubborn to ask for help. Eventually Calariel, a kindly elleth who had been friend's with my nana, took us under her wing and showed me how to care for my brothers and run a household," explained Haldir.

"Because of our circumstances, I took a post close to home, something with patrols that did not take me away for days at a time," said the Marchwarden, "I could not be away for very long."

"Understandable," replied Legolas.

"When I was forced to be away over night, Calariel would stay with my brothers," explained Haldir, "Before I left, she would always tell me not to worry about Rúmil and Orophin, she would care for them but to watch out for myself, so I would return to them safely."

"A wise woman," commented Legolas.

"I still remember the first time a patrol kept me away longer than expected." A look passed over Haldir' face, but before Legolas could question him, Haldir continued, "I led a patrol to check our inner defenses, we left early the first morning and we were supposed to be back late the next evening."

"What happened?"

"Late the second afternoon, shortly before our return home, we were met by a rider from one of the outer defense posts," explained Haldir, "He was relieved to find us. The outpost was involved in an altercation with poachers; they took some injuries and were in dire need of reinforcements."

Concerned Legolas asked, "Was anyone lost?"

"No, praise Eru," answered Haldir, "but there were some with injuries serious enough to warrant the attention of a healer."

Legolas nodded his head as the Marchwarden continued, "My first inclination was to my duty, to rush to the aid of the outpost but then I thought of my brothers and my duty to them."

"That seems reasonable."

Looking at the blonde elf, Haldir said, "As you do now, I worried that my brothers would think I deserted them."

Quickly Legolas' gaze dropped to his toes, as Haldir continued, "In the end, I came to the conclusion that I had no choice, we had to go to the assistance of the outpost. I could only pray that Rúmil and Orophin would understand."

"Did they?" asked Legolas.

Smiling Haldir replied, "You are attempting to jump ahead in my tale. Patience my young friend, have patience."

"I shall Marchwarden," replied Legolas. Haldir could almost swear he heard a lighter tone in the wood elf's voice, "if you continue your tale."

With a nod, Haldir continued, "At my order we turned and headed towards the outpost. We rode hard but it was still early evening before we arrived."

"What did you find?"

Gazing off into the distance and releasing a slow breath, Haldir said, "The sentries managed to hold off the poachers until our arrival, taking only a few injuries but they were tiring and in desperate need of relief."

"A timely arrival," observed Legolas.

"Aye," replied the Galadhel, "most timely. One of our party stayed behind to care for the injured, while the rest of the patrol drove the poachers from Laurelindórenan."

"I am not sure I have heard the Golden Wood referred to as such."

With a shy smile Haldir said, "Yes it is a word from the Eldar days, but I have always held a special liking for it."

Finally smiling Legolas asked, "Did you meet much resistance?"

"Nay," replied the Marchwarden, as he shook his head, "They were opportunistic thieves and once the numbers were against them, they turned tail and ran."

"Maer," answered the young prince. (Good.)

"Unfortunately it was after dark before we secured the area and we were forced to camp out for another night." Running a hand through his long locks, Haldir added, "With the area secure, my only thoughts were for my brothers. I was terrified that they would think I deserted them."

Legolas understood the feeling but did not comment, so Haldir continued, "We were on the trail with the rising of the morning sun, heading back to Caras Galadhon. We had injured elves with us so our pace was much slower than I would have liked. Each additional moment away from Rúmil and Orophin caused me intense anxiety until I was nearly sick with it."

Curious Legolas asked, "What did you find when you finally returned home?"

Smiling Haldir answered, "Rúmil was watching for my return and grabbing Orophin, dragged Calariel down to the stables to meet us."

"And?" questioned Legolas.

"Once I dismounted, my arms were full of elflings," replied the Marchwarden.

"They did not think you deserted them?"

"They were afraid," agreed the Galadhel, "but not that I deserted them."

Seeing the questioning look on the wood elf's face, Haldir attempted to explain, "After walking back to our talan, I managed to put my brothers down to rest, while Calariel made us tea and as Rúmil and Orophin slept, we had a nice long talk."

"What did you find out?"

"My brothers were afraid I left them," admitted Haldir, "but not that I deserted them. Instead they were convinced I died."

"Man?!" asked a shocked Legolas. (What?!)

"Aye," said the Marchwarden, "they were sure I journeyed to the Halls of Mandos."

"Why?"

"Our parents failed to return home and were killed by orcs," explained Haldir, "it made perfect sense to elflings."

"Poor things," Legolas sympathized.

Nodding his agreement Haldir added, "That last night I was gone, Calariel made dinner for my brothers and was going to put them to bed for the night, before returning to her own talan." Haldir's voice broke as he continued, "Rúmil declined her assistance and told her it was his job to care for his brother."

"Oh Valar."

"She overheard Orophin crying, he was convinced I would never return and they would be alone." Silent tears cascaded down Haldir's cheeks as he said, "Rúmil told him he was not alone, no matter what happened they had each other. He went on to say, he was sure I was not dead and would return to them."

"A very brave little elfling," commented Legolas.

"Aye," agreed Haldir, "He put his brother to bed and only after Orophin was soundly asleep did he allow his own fears to overtake him and Calariel heard his sobs."

"Poor baby."

"Aye, Calariel went in to comfort him but Rúmil would have none of it," said Haldir, "He wiped his tears away and claimed everything was fine." He continued, "Although she knew that was not the truth she decided it would be best if I dealt with their fears upon my return."

"Thus your discussion," replied Legolas.

"Thus our discussion," confirmed the Marchwarden. "As I waited for my brothers to wake, I was consumed by my own anxieties," continued Haldir, "Everything that Calariel told me seemed to confirm my fear that Rúmil and Orophin thought I would abandon them."

Legolas patiently waited for his friend to continue his tale but after a moment he realized that Haldir seemed lost in his memories and prompted, "And?"

"Once they awoke I sat them down and explained what happened," explained Haldir, "I went on to tell them that I would never desert them and I apologized for causing them to believe I had."

"Did they accept the apology?" wondered Legolas. Maybe if Rúmil and Orophin could forgive Haldir then Estel could forgive him.

A small smile graced Haldir's lips as he replied, "Rúmil jumped up, threw his little arms around my neck and gave me a hug." Shaking his head Haldir added, "He told me I had nothing to apologize for."

"Pardon??" asked a confused Legolas.

"Aye," said Haldir, "Rúmil said 'I knew you would never abandon us, I knew you would come home if you could.'" Taking a shuddering breath, the Marchwarden explained, "They were sure if I did not return it meant I could not and I followed our parents to Mandos' Halls."

"Sweet Eru," said a dazed Legolas.

"Aye," agreed Haldir, "They had more faith in me than I had in myself."

As Legolas thought on Haldir's words, the other elf continued, "I explained to them that sometimes plans change and I may be kept away longer than planned but that did not mean the worst had happened."

"Did they understand?"

"They did," acknowledged the Galadhel, before adding, "But I thought it necessary to be honest with them and explain that my job was dangerous but I asked them to have faith that I would return home and never to assume the worst."

"Was your conversation effective?" questioned an anxious Legolas.

"For the most part," reassured Haldir. "Of course there were more occasions when I was forced to stay away longer than planned."

"Most certainly," agreed the younger elf. Legolas was familiar with the often times uncertain life of a warrior, he lived it and though things were most definitely different in the two enclaves, he was sure a warrior's duties were the same.

"But never again did they assume the worst without just cause."

Legolas lowered his head as he considered his relationship with Estel. Would the child think he abandoned him? Or as Rúmil and Orophin had, would the babe have more faith in him than he had in himself?

Asking for Haldir's opinion, Legolas asked, "What is your estimation of Estel? Will he think I abandoned him?"

"Being unfamiliar with the child I can not say for sure," replied the Marchwarden as honestly as he could, "But I think you do the child a disservice by presuming the worst."

"How so?" questioned Legolas, "we have never had such a conversation."

"Car- le gar mîl an i hên?" (Do you hold affection for the child?)

"Im car-," (I do.) replied Legolas softly.

"A e an le?" (And he for you?)

Legolas sat pensively for a moment before answering, "I think so."

"Then have you so little faith in yourself," asked Haldir, "Or in Estel?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Though life in Imladris is not near as dangerous as in the Mirkwood, has not Estel been raised around warriors? Are not his own brothers?" questioned Haldir.

"Aye."

"Do you not think he understands that life can be dangerous and uncertain?"

Legolas was told of the attack that cost Estel his birth parents, so he was sure the child knew life was uncertain. Having fought alongside the twins, Legolas knew they had a propensity for injury, so he was confident the child had seen them return sporting many injuries, so he was confident it was safe to say the child would know life was dangerous as well. With those thoughts in mind, Legolas replied, "He should be familiar with the dangers of this life."

Turning Legolas' original question back on him, Haldir queried, "So, what does Estel think?"

Legolas was quiet a moment while he mulled over all Haldir told him and what the other elf forced him to see. Taking a deep breath and slowly releasing Legolas finally answered, "Hopefully he realizes I did not abandon him."

"I do not think he will."

"Hannon le," said Legolas, as relief flooded through him.

"Lle creoso." (You are welcome.)

A few moments later, another idea struck him and horror stricken, Legolas asked, "But will he assume the worst. Will he think us dead?"

Turning Haldir met Legolas' eyes and said softly, "I honestly do not know."

"Oh Valar," moaned Legolas, as he dragged his shaking hands through his long blonde locks. Things just went from bad to worse.

"I hope not…though it does seem likely," admitted Haldir.

Determined, Legolas stated, "We can not allow that!" and he suddenly dropped to the ground.

"Legolas!" said a startled Haldir, "Wait a moment," as he noiselessly leaped to the ground next to the blonde elf.

"Where are you going?" the Galadhel asked the wood elf.

"After Estel," Legolas answered simply, as he started to walk back to camp.

Catching up with the younger elf, Haldir grabbed his arm to stop and said, "You can not leave tonight!"

"Why not?"

"Why?!" repeated a shocked Marchwarden, "Tis past nightfall, it is not safe to travel after dark!"

"Then it is not safe for Estel," countered Legolas, with fire in his eyes, "I will not leave my friend in the hands of those men!"

With a sigh, Haldir admitted to himself that if it were Rúmil or Orophin he would feel the same way. He could not leave them out there alone, thinking he was hurt or worse…dead. "I did not say we would leave him out there but you need to exercise caution. It will do him no good if you really end up in Mandos' Halls."

"True," whispered Legolas dejectedly. Conceding that Haldir was right was nearly painful for the young elf, he felt as if he was failing Estel again. He feared his little friend thought all was lost…that his family was dead.

Lost in his musings, he did not hear Haldir until the other elf gently touched his arm before saying, "Come let us start back."

"Aye," answered the young prince vacantly.

Putting a hand on Legolas' shoulder and staring him in the eye, Haldir said, "We will not leave Estel out there alone! We will find him!"

"Im isto mellon nín," responded Legolas. (I know my friend.)

As the pair slowly walked back to camp, Legolas thought of Estel alone…again. He ached with the desire to do something for the child…now!

They continued silently back to camp. Just as the boughs of the trees started thinning out and the camp came into view, they heard someone shout, "You shall do no such thing!"

As they approached the fire, Legolas and Haldir found the company again assembled around the fire but this time Glorfindel and Erestor had joined the group. The seneschal was sitting next to the Gondolinian elf, and even from across the clearing it was obvious that the dark-haired elf was extremely upset.

Anger was clearly etched in every line of the seneschal and not wishing to be too close to the irate elf, Legolas and Haldir sat down as far away from him as possible, before the Marchwarden asked, "What have we missed?"

Shaking his head in disbelief at the antics of his father's two oldest advisors, Elladan answered, "We were discussing sending a search party out in the morning."

"And whom it should comprise," added Elrohir.

"And there is a small difference of opinion," contributed Halbarad, from his spot next to the fire.

"Small?!" growled Erestor.

"I am perfectly fine," stated Glorfindel, while staring at the seneschal, "I am wholly capable of leading that scouting party."

"Wholly?!" roared a disbelieving Erestor, "It was only a short time ago you were full of holes…bleeding holes!"

"They have been treated," dismissed the golden haired elf. He cared deeply for his beloved friend but he greatly desired to get away from his smothering care.

As Erestor opened his mouth for another angry retort, Elladan interrupted him by saying, "It will be at least another day before most of our injured are ready to travel."

"I will be ready to travel in the morn," Glorfindel informed the group.

Incredulous Erestor snorted, but before he could say anything Elladan continued, "Some may be ready to travel with the first light; we are concerned they would not have the strength to fight after a long ride."

"And we must be prepared for anything," added Elrohir.

"So whoever goes," contributed Erestor, while glaring at Glorfindel, "Must be whole, rested…healed."

"I am healed," countered the golden elf.

"But you are not rested and ready for a hard ride," argued Erestor.

"I can ride," started Glorfindel, before he was interrupted by Elrohir, "I am forced to agree with Erestor." Looking at his mentor, he added, "You are not yet ready for a long day of travel."

Glorfindel was prepared to continue the argument but Elladan stopped him by decisively saying, "You are not ready and will not go."

The eldest twin rarely pulled rank on the commander of Imladris' defenses but he would not allow him to needlessly endanger himself, especially not when others were ready and willing to go in his stead. Normally the task would have been his father's but if he was incapable, then Elladan would undertake it. He would be unable to live with himself if any unnecessary harm befell Glorfindel.

With a curt nod of his head and a scowl on his face, the Gondolinian elf acknowledged Elladan's order. He did not like it but he would argue no further.

A victorious smile on his face, Erestor said, "Now that we have decided who shall not go, let us choose who shall."

Scowling, Glorfindel sat silently and listened to the conversation going on around him. He listened and watched as everyone tried to decide who would go and who would follow behind. No one wished to be left behind and the "discussion" was breaking down into an argument.

"What if there is need for a healer?" questioned Erestor, after each twin declared his intention of going ahead. "At least one of you must stay behind to assist with the wounded."

Neither twin wished to stay behind, nor did they care to be separated from one another once again. "Mithrandir shall be here if help is needed," replied Elladan.

"Aye," agreed Elrohir, "And no one here is any danger, but our brother is!"

"Mithrandir is no healer," argued the seneschal. Electing to use guilt to convince the twins, he continued, "Could you live with yourself if your Adar or Daeradar took a turn for the worst?"

"Nay," relented Elladan, "We could not. Who shall go then? Haldir?

"Nay," answered the Marchwarden, "My first duty is to my lord. I shall not leave his side whilst he is injured."

"I shall go," declared Erestor, while looking around daring any to argue with him.

While the merits and disadvantages of Erestor were being discussed, Haldir looked at Legolas, who had sat quietly throughout the discussion. He wondered what exactly was going through the young prince's head. What was he planning? And knowing of his desire to find Estel, why had he not spoken up?

Haldir was broken from his thoughts by a shout of, "ENOUGH!!"

Surprised, Haldir turned to look in the direction from which the cry came and saw an irate Glorfindel. He knew the golden elf rarely became well and truly angry and admitted to himself it was a scary sight.

"We shall not squabble like small elflings over a new toy," reprimanded Glorfindel, "As the Commander, any decision shall be mine and mine alone."

Glaring at each in turn, he continued, "I shall lead the search party." Seeing Erestor opening his mouth to argue he said, "I was injured not crippled and I shall not be treated like an invalid!"

The seneschal closed his mouth with an almost audible snap. He scowled at his friend but said nothing.

"Halbarad and Elrohir shall accompany me," Glorfindel informed the group, leaving no room for argument. "Elladan, you shall see to the injured and ensure everyone is fit to follow as quickly as possible."

Still shocked, everyone remained silent, just nodding their understanding.

Attempting to reassure the group, Glorfindel said, "We shall find Estel! The men will pay for taking him!"

"They shall," agreed the twins.

"Now it is late and I wish to be on the trail as the sun first rises in the east," said Glorfindel, "We should all get some rest."

"Who shall take the first watch?" asked Erestor.

"All of you have had a long day and need some rest," stated Halbarad, "My Rangers shall take care of the watch tonight."

"Thank you my friend," replied Glorfindel, "That is most appreciated."

"You are most welcome," answered the Ranger, as he turned to leave; "Now I must go and see to the watch schedule."

"Aye," replied Glorfindel, "And there are preparations that need to be made before we are ready to leave in the morn."

With nothing more to say, both turned away to see to their duties.

Haldir watched as everyone left the fire, each slipping off to see to his own tasks. He met the blonde's eyes before the young elf stood up and drifted into the dusk. It was no real surprise to the Marchwarden when Legolas seemed to be heading in the direction of their horses.

What had shocked the Lothlórien elf was Legolas did not voice a desire to join the search party. He did not think the wood elf would willingly wait behind, not with his strong desire to find Estel. He knew Legolas needed to assure himself that child would forgive him. Why did he not speak up?

After a few moments Haldir stood, stretched and followed in his friend's wake. He found Legolas kneeling on the ground next to his saddle. Standing behind the younger elf, he commented, "If my eyes are not deceiving me, it looks like you intend to leave."

"I just wish to be ready," answered Legolas, without looking at the elf behind him.

"Ready?" asked the Marchwarden, "For what?" although he suspected he knew what his friend was preparing to do.

Legolas did not answer him; instead he continued preparing his gear. Noting his silence Haldir continued, "As you did not volunteer for the search party, you cannot be readying to leave in the morning," stressing the last word.

With a small sigh, Legolas stood and turned to look at his friend, he admitted, "Nay I do not plan on leaving in the morn." He silently added, "I am not waiting for the sun to rise."

Barely hearing the whispered comment, Haldir replied, "Legolas, do not do something hare-brained and get yourself hurt or worse…killed."

"I make no promises," was Legolas' whispered replied.

Haldir understood how Legolas was feeling and knowing how he would react if their roles were reversed, the Marchwarden said, "I know your desire to find Estel is strong but be careful." Clasping the younger elf's shoulder he continued, "The little one would not wish you harmed for his sake and I do not wish to carry tidings of your untimely demise to your Adar."

Nodding, Legolas offered his hand and said, "I shall endeavor to prevent the necessity of you undertaking that task."

Taking the proffered hand in a warrior's clasp, Haldir said, "You should make every effort. I do not think the Greenwood could survive any more heartache."

"I shall do my best."

"When are you leaving?"

"Later," was Legolas' one word answer. Concerned he asked, "Will you tell the others?"

"Nay."

"Thank you," said the Mirkwood elf.

"Do you need any help?"

"Nay, I am ready."

"In that case, shall we rejoin the others?"

"Aye," answered Legolas, as he rubbed the neck of his horse one last time.

They silently walked back to the tents to find bedrolls laid out for them. Most of the others were already lying down, their exhaustion from the long day catching up with them. The pair noiselessly moved to their blankets, they slipped in between and relaxed.

Legolas watched for a time as his companions, one by one, drifted into reverie and their breathing evened out. Walking back to camp with Haldir the first time, he reached a decision...a choice to fulfill a promise to a friend.

Nothing and nobody would deter him from his plan. With that in mind, once he was positive all were asleep, Legolas slid from between his covers. He picked up his saddlebags but left the bedroll and headed away from the fire.

His horse, Caun, was waiting for his return to the glade. After affectionately rubbing his mount's neck, Legolas picked up the finely woven horse blanket and placed it on the steed's back. Next the saddle and headstall were secured; the saddlebags were placed behind the saddle. Finally, the young elf swung up in the saddle.

He turned his horse away from the fire and started down the trail, leaving behind the safety of his friends. A short distance down the path, Legolas turned and looked back. He hated to leave like this, the twins, not to mention Glorfindel, would likely be angry with him for "recklessly" endangering his life but he saw no other choice. He had to find Estel and assure that the child forgave him.

With that thought he turned Caun away from the safety and cantered into the woods.

Unbeknownst to Legolas he had been watched and as his friend's back slowly slipped into the gathering darkness, Haldir whispered, "Tir an man anglennatha mellon nín." (Look to what approaches my friend.)

TBC

A/N: I know each chapter seems to take longer and longer to post, I apologize. I can't say future chapters will come any faster but you have my assurances, I do not intend on deserting this story…Thanks!