Hiya--I'm BAAAACK!!!! Had a good trip too. Thanks for your patience all, here we go!!
Chapter 16--The Return
Jaisia paused on a low hill overlooking Minas Tirith then looked over her shoulder at Legolas who was on her back. "Are you sure about this?" she asked.
Legolas took a deep breath and nodded. "I must try to make my peace with Aragorn," he said.
Jaisia nodded and galloped toward the city gate. When they entered the city Legolas expected the guards at the gate to arrest him immediately, but they let them pass. All to soon they came to the castle.
Two guards came up as Legolas slid down from Jaisia's back. "I would like to speak to King Elessar," Legolas said.
"Very well, come," a guard said and led them to the throne room. Aragorn and Arwen were both seated on their thrones, staring at him.
Legolas squared his shoulders and walked toward the King and Queen. Five feet from the thrones Legolas fell to one knee in a low, respectful bow. He rarely did that unless there were others around that would see it.
Jaisia bowed politely too and waited.
"You may both rise," Aragorn said. When they did so Aragorn stood and walked over to Legolas then stared into his eyes.
The steady gaze made Legolas nervous, but he forced himself not to look away.
"So you've finally decided to return?" Aragorn frowned. His gaze softened and he smiled. "I'm glad, I have missed your company, my friend." He laid his hand on Legolas' shoulder and squeezed gently. "That goes for you too, Jaisia."
Legolas let out a breath that he wasn't aware he'd been holding. "Aragorn, Arwen, I am sorry--I-I didn't want to-" he began.
"No need to apologize, indeed it is I who should be apologizing. I found out what happened. Quinn was helping this mage, he betrayed me. I know everything. I am so very sorry for all of it. You and Jaisia would not have suffered if I had trusted you as I should have," Aragorn said.
Arwen rose and came over. "We have all suffered. I have lost all of our sons plus one that never got a chance to draw breath. The friendship between Elessar and you can be brought back even though they can not be," she said softly. Tears glimmered in her dark eyes.
Legolas felt her pain and hugged her. "I am sorry for your pain," he said.
Arwen returned the hug then pulled back. "Sandi returned a year ago and now you and Jaisia have returned as well. We can start again," she said.
"I fear something was done to Sandi, Arwen," Legolas said uncertainly.
"We've cleared that all ready. She knows that this mage lied to her and she has been reinstated as heir to the throne of Minas Tirith. All is well, Legolas," Arwen said.
"That's right, welcome home, Legolas and Jaisia, everything is back the way it should be now," Aragorn said.
Legolas nodded in acceptance, but he wondered if all was truly all right.
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