Note: All unknown characters are mine! The rest are J.R.R. Tolkien's creation! Elvish speech is in ' '. This story is not factual from here on out, if anything is known about Legolas's mother. I promise SLASH between Legolas and Aragorn in the next chapter, ok? So don't flame me for none being here.

The Truth Comes Out

Part 11

Legolas turned a stern gaze on Falcon. "You should not hide secrets that may place others in danger."

Falcon met the gaze squarely. "You should not interfere in something you know nothing about, Prince Legolas. Tis my own business and none of your concern." His voice was neutral and empty.

King Thranduil ached inside as he saw his two sons at each other's throats. Neither knew of the secret, which the Elven king severely regretted.

Legolas grabbed Falcon's arm when the elf turned to leave, and was stunned when sudden pain struck his hand where he gripped the silver-eyed elf tightly. He instantly let go.

"How did you do that?" Legolas demanded.

Falcon chose not to answer the question. He looked straight at Thranduil, his exotic eyes gleaming, before he attempted to leave the room again.

Legolas stubbornly blocked the door. "You aren't leaving until you tell me what's going on," Legolas vowed grimly.

"What are you doing, Legolas?" Melody cried, as she saw him barring the door to Falcon's room. The red-haired Elven girl walked over and saw the unreadable expression on Falcon's face.

"He won't let me leave, Melody," Falcon said. "And Legolas is very lucky that I cannot use my magic right now, or I would forcibly remove him from my door."

Thranduil sighed. "Sit down, Falcon. We need to talk," the Elven king said, knowing it was time for secrets to be bared. He cast an apologetic glance at the Elven girl who stood watching them, as well as Legolas. "Alone."

A faint look of hurt shone in Melody's eyes, before she nodded slowly, and closed the door. Melody then went to find Aragorn, for she was certain that he was probably done at the Healers now.

Falcon and Legolas refused to look at each other.

Legolas walked away from the door, and stood there, glaring at the enigmatic Lord of the Forest.

Thranduil purposefully pushed a chair in front of the door and sat in it.

Falcon started making his way over to his bed, and would have fallen if Legolas had not caught him.

'I'm fine,' Falcon said, though he truly looked anything but fine. And his hair was not brushed, Legolas noted.

Legolas silently assisted Falcon to his bed, before picking up the brush on the table beside the bed.

He sat behind Falcon and began to brush the other elf's blond hair gently.

Falcon murmured a weak protest, but abruptly stopped. He was too weary to argue. Weary in body and soul.

Thranduil cleared his throat, and the identical elves looked at him.

'I regret a secret has been kept from both of you, until this particular point in time,' Thranduil said in Elvish.

Puzzlement and confusion shone on Legolas's face.

'You see,' Thranduil told them quietly, 'the two of you… are identical twins.'

'What?' Falcon burst out.

Legolas was floored. 'We're what?'

'Twins, separated at birth and raised by different people.' Thranduil's voice was grave.

Legolas and Falcon exchanged a look. Silver eyes met green eyes, before they turned to look at the Elven King.

Falcon's face was unreadable.

'Why were we separated?' Legolas asked. 'And why was I chosen to stay?'

'Because of who Falcon is. He is the Lord of the Forest, which means more than one would think, Legolas. It was too dangerous to keep you together,' Thranduil said.

Legolas did not completely understand. 'Why are our eyes different, if we are identical twins?'

'He has your mother's eyes, Legolas,' Thranduil told him. 'For she was the Lady of the Forest before she married me.'

'Am I older or younger than he is?' Legolas then inquired.

'Falcon is the youngest son I have, Legolas, for he was born a few moments after you were, when the stars were aligned. So Falcon was sent to live in the Misty Forest, where he would learn to use his magic.'

'Why don't I have magic?' That troubled Legolas a bit.

'More of your mother flows in Falcon than in you, Legolas. You are more like me, without magic, and a skilled archer. Falcon called for your mother's magic and powers.'

The father and son turned to look at Falcon, who had his eyes closed.

'I wish to be alone,' Falcon finally said. He opened his eyes. 'I must reflect on this.'

To Legolas's ears, Falcon sounded… lost and sad.

Legolas shot a pointed look at his father, who stood.

'I'll leave you two to talk,' Thranduil said, before he left the room.

Legolas continued to brush Falcon's hair, and was stunned when tears began to run down his brother's face.

He put the brush down and took his brother in his arms. 'What troubles you so?' he asked. 'Are you that distressed over having me for a brother?'

Falcon shook his head, as he took in a shaking breath. 'I never knew where I came from, for I knew that I was an outsider in the Misty Forest. I was the only fair elf amongst the others. I have finally found my family, but I cannot remain here. There is too much at stake, my brother. My obligations as the Lord of the Forest prevent me from staying.'

'What does being the Lord of the Forest truly mean?' Legolas questioned, still not understanding the title.

Falcon turned to face Legolas. 'More than you can ever imagine, Legolas. And it is a heavy burden.'

'Tell me what troubles you so,' Legolas pleaded.

Falcon sighed. 'I shall, my brother.'

To be continued