Note: None of these are my characters! Sorry that Legolas is not acting like himself, but he's been through physical abuse for most of his life… He'll be back to normal, after spending some time in Rivendell (a few years). (And so will his hair) *cringes and ducks to avoid the blows* Elvish speech is in ''. Takes place a few hours after the last chapter.

The Escape

Part 8

Legolas was miserable, as he touched his poor hair.

Haldir replaced the hood over the younger elf's head and gently swatted the hand away. He carefully inspected the Prince of Mirkwood, and could not believe his eyes. Legolas was not recognizable from any other young male elf in Mirkwood, now.

Haldir had dressed Legolas in brown leggings, with a red shirt and blue tunic, which had belonged to him. The clothes were faded and worn, so they did not stand out. A cloak with a hood hung around the Elven prince's shoulders. Dirt streaks had been placed on the young elf's face and in his now short hair, to hide his natural beauty. Legolas had on an old pair of his shoes, for Haldir's were too big, and he wore coverings on his hands.

'I suppose I must leave my own bow and arrows behind?' Legolas asked wistfully.

Aragorn and Haldir both nodded.

'They would stand out, Legolas,' Aragorn told him, not unsympathetic. He could see how unhappy his friend was over his hair. 'It's better to remain unknown, at least for now. And your hair will grow back quickly, as does the hair of most elves.'

Legolas nodded, but was not noticeably any happier.

Haldir handed Legolas a plain bow and arrows, which had been Haldir's at Legolas's age. A sword was given as well. Again, there were no identifying marks.

Legolas sheathed the sword, and slung the quiver over his shoulder. He had packed a small bag, with some trinkets to remind him of home, as well as a small picture of his mother, which had been hand-drawn by one of the other elves. It was a perfect likeness to her. Some money was in there as well; all that the Prince had.

Now Legolas embraced the one who should have been his father tightly.

'Be careful,' Legolas pleaded. 'If he finds out it was you who helped me, run away. Don't stay here.'

Haldir hugged the younger elf back. 'I will be careful. If possible, I will leave, but I must write to Lady Galadriel first and ask for permission.' He then looked at both Aragorn and Legolas. 'Take care of each other,' he said quietly.

Legolas nodded, hiding his tears. Aragorn nodded as well.

The two friends were then led out of Legolas's room by Haldir, who took them to the stables. Once there, Haldir took up a conversation with another elf.

The elves around the stables thought nothing of it, as Aragorn and Legolas mounted the same horse.

Legolas's back was too sore for him to ride alone, so he sat behind Aragorn. His slender arms were looped around Aragorn's waist, as the two galloped off together.

Legolas glanced back at Haldir, before turning towards their destination.

Haldir prayed that Legolas would be safe and well, as the blond elf went back inside of the castle.

Aragorn and Legolas both tensed when they were halted by the guards at the borders of Mirkwood.

They were instructed to dismount, which they did.

Aragorn was easily recognized in the daylight as the foster son of Lord Elrond of Rivendell by the guards as they inspected him closely. They then turned to Legolas.

To the Elven Prince's credit, he betrayed no sign of fear as he removed his hood when ordered to. The guards searched his features carefully, but did not know him.

'Who are you?' they questioned sharply in Elvish.

Legolas's eyes flickered to Aragorn's grey ones in slight fear, for he did not know what to say.

'His name is Lerone,' Aragorn said quickly, using the name of one of his Elven friends at Rivendell, who also had blond hair. He would explain it to his friend later. It was more important to get out of Mirkwood right now.

Legolas nodded in agreement. The guards would recognize his voice if he spoke.

The guard that was closest to Legolas frowned at him. 'Can you not speak for yourself?'

Legolas shook his head quickly.

'My friend is ill and needs medicine to cure him. If we may be on our way…' Aragorn said warningly.

The two guards exchanged a look, before nodding. Lord Elrond's foster son did not take kindly to delays.

'Go ahead,' one finally said, waving them on.

The two younger elves climbed back onto their Elvish horse, and rode on.

Legolas was trying not to breathe hard, but did not succeed. Aragorn could feel the rising and falling of Legolas's chest on his back.

As soon as they had put a few miles between Mirkwood and themselves, Aragorn drew the horse up and looked at Legolas.

'Are you all right?' he questioned.

Legolas nodded. 'I couldn't speak, for those two guards knew my voice. I've spoken with them before.'

Aragorn accepted the explanation, and dug his knees into the horse. The Elvish stallion galloped off again, as the two friends headed towards Aragorn's cave.

Legolas was flinching, but hiding his pain from his friend. His ribs were hurting terribly, as they rode along. And his back was sore, as well. But he also enjoyed the feel of Aragorn in his arms.

Aragorn was trying not to think of how good it felt to be in Legolas's arms, as he directed the horse towards the cave.

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Somewhere Near Rivendell

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Elladan had not stopped to rest, as he raced towards his home. He was nearly driving his horse beyond its endurance, for they had been traveling for over five hours, without a single break.

The son of Elrond intended to make certain that Legolas was brought to Rivendell quickly, before Aragorn had the chance to make a move on the beautiful elf. Such a fair and delicate creature deserved better than a half elf, Elladan thought. He shot down the guilt he felt at such a thought. He wasn't saying that Aragorn was unworthy, the elf thought to himself. It was just that he wanted Legolas for himself. Aragorn was too tough to be with someone who was as fragile as Legolas seemed to be.

So Elladan traveled as fast as he could, hoping to reach Rivendell tomorrow, instead of the two or three days that Aragorn had believe that it would take him.

The older elf was jealous that his foster brother was alone with Legolas right now, probably heading for the secret cave. They would be alone together, having a chance to renew their friendship. Elladan did not like that idea at all.

Elladan vowed that as soon as Legolas was in Rivendell, he was going to have Aragorn sent to the North for a year or two. Elrond would probably agree, for Aragorn was the heir of Isildur, Elven blood or not. Once he was gone, things would be much easier.

And then, Legolas would be alone for the taking, Elladan thought grimly. And he would be the one to take him.

 To be continued