Note: None of these characters are mine, except for the unknown attackers that were in Rohan. This is the sequel to 'Loss of Freedom'. Takes place right after the last chapter. Elvish speech is in ''. There will be A/L slash soon!

Seeing Is Believing

Part 1

Aragorn gazed around at the Elven palace in awe. It might be in ruins, but it still shone with glory, at least in his eyes. The half Elf gasped at the breathtaking beauty around him. Numerous green vines, plants, and flowers were everywhere, covering the destroyed parts of the palace.

"Who could do such a thing to such a beautiful place?" Aragorn questioned, as the group made their way to the Healers.

Éomer neutrally said, "Most likely it was Saruman. Though Elves were forbidden in Gondor, he still sought to destroy the ones who remained outside of his kingdom."

"Oh…" Aragorn was impatient, for he wanted to see Legolas.

Elrond turned towards the youth. "Patience has its place, son of Saruman. You will learn that soon."

Aragorn scowled. "Don't call me that," he said, anger and bitterness in his voice. "What kind of father tries to kill his son?"

Boromir frowned. "You should show more respect to an Elven lord, Aragorn, especially when you are in his land."

Aragorn gritted his teeth. "I meant no disrespect," he muttered.

Elrond sighed. He could easily see that Aragorn needed a mentor to teach him how to be patient and disciplined. 'None was taken,' the Elven lord said in Elvish.

Aragorn frowned. "I don't speak Elvish."

Elrond finally reached the Healers' room. He gestured for Éomer and Boromir to enter, as they assisted Haldir. The two did so, as everyone filed in after Elrond, who followed Éomer.

To Aragorn's disappointment, Legolas wasn't here, either. "Where is Legolas?" he questioned.

"Sleeping," Elrond said neutrally. "He'll wake soon enough, Elessar."

Aragorn scowled as he shifted positions. But he didn't want to anger the Elven lord.

Haldir was placed on a bed, and the Elven Healers went to work. They gently prodded him, inspecting all over the Elven messenger.

Aragorn was bored, as he gazed around the room. He sighed and absentmindedly began tapping one foot on the floor impatiently.

The Hobbits gazed around the spacious room, which had all sorts of herbs and cloth hanging around. A few beds were near the large window, which had once led to a white balcony, that overlooked the courtyard. A sweet smell drifted around them.

Éomer and Elrond were speaking in Elvish.

'How did this happen to Haldir?' Elrond asked quietly.

Éomer sighed. 'I'm not certain. We went to pack, and Haldir stayed where he'd found me, but when Boromir and I returned, he was gone. We searched for him, following the blood trail, and found him laying on the floor, bound hand and foot.'

Elrond nodded slowly. 'Mischief in Rohan is a sign that Saruman is up to something. It was wise of you to leave and come here. What of Legolas?'

'Legolas is a dear friend to me, and I am grateful that you assisted him.'

Haldir entered the conversation weakly. 'Lord Elrond, the ones who attacked me were after another,' he said weakly. 'They wanted another elf, with green eyes.'

Éomer gasped, 'They were after Legolas?' The king of Rohan exchanged a startled look with Elrond.

'The attackers on the road were after him as well,' Elrond said.

Boromir was following the conversation as best as he could.

Frodo frowned thoughtfully. 'Why would Saruman want Legolas instead of Aragorn?'

All eyes turned to the Hobbit.

'You know Elvish?' Éomer asked.

'Twas my family that took care of Legolas after his mother birthing him. She taught my parents and grandfather Elvish, as well as some other Hobbits. They were all very close friends, and everyone was sad when she died. They taught me, and I assisted in teaching it to Legolas,' Frodo said quietly.

Elrond smiled in approval. 'So you have known Legolas his entire life? Who are his parents?'

Aragorn snapped, "You know, tis rude for all of you to talk in a language when not everyone understands." Anger flashed in his eyes. Aragorn was sick of being ignored, though Boromir and the three other Hobbits didn't seem to mind it.

Elrond raised an eyebrow in surprise at the boy, who frowned back.

"Temper, temper, young one," Elrond said quietly. "Unless you want me to show you the Elven punishment for interrupting an Elder."

"You can't hurt me," Aragorn muttered.

Elrond was at the youth's side in seconds, and had Aragorn's arm twisted behind his back, before the other half Elf even knew that was happening.

"You were saying?" Elrond questioned. "You need to learn to expect the unexpected, Elessar."

Aragorn struggled against the stronger elf, and managed to wrench his arm free. "What was that for?" he angrily cried.

Elrond said calmly, "A lesson… in humility."

Aragorn's face flushed. He couldn't believe how easily he had been beaten.

The Elven lord eyed the youth up and down. "You will join the ranks of my fighters, Elessar. There, you will learn proper defensive moves. Your fighting skills are lower than many of your age, Elessar."

"I will not," Aragorn shouted.

"You will," Elrond said. "If you want to see Legolas. I advise you to keep your voice down, lest you wake him."

Aragorn seethed. "You can't keep him away from me!"

Everyone else stood there watching silently.

Boromir and Éomer stood side by side, watching.

"I can… and I will. I am in charge here, Elessar. And you need proper learning if you are going to take your father's place as King of Gondor," Elrond told the youth firmly. "You need to learn Elvish, for one thing, and improve your basic techniques on fighting."

"Me? Be the King of Gondor?" Aragorn scoffed. "I am no longer the Crown Prince. And I want to see Legolas!"

Haldir was the only one who noticed the door opening. He saw the figure who entered silently, and spoke.

"A-Aragorn?" a weak voice questioned.

All eyes turned to the door.

Legolas stood there, pale and shaking. Bandages were wrapped around his wounds, and stained with blood. He looked tired, as he gazed back at them.

To be continued