JastaElf – I am glad that you understand Nirnaeth better now. And yes,
Jessolothrad will be a great help to both his father and Elu in time to
come.
Another train wreck, huh? (gulp!) Please let it wreck on the baddies this time!! Please!! (begging you on my hands and knees, O Daer Bereth!)
Ayod Botla – I am glad that Elu didn't overhear Aragorn and Legolas talking about him. I don't know what he would have done!! Don't know if I want to know!! And yeah, that nasty Black Arrow is still around. What could that mean??
Jan – Nope. I guess the Black Arrow is not good. Do not worry. Aragorn is about to confront Legolas. And no, he cannot keep it inside forever. Very unhealthy. And yes, there is much angst to come (I just have to gear myself up for it. I'm a pretty happy person.) I don't think Elu has come to terms about that night either. They have both been avoiding it. Major avoidance.
AJ Matthews – Glad that you get it! And Elrond will try to help Elu. And well, I don't know if the Black Arrow will fly again or not.
Ranger – It seems that a lot of us are musically inclined. Guess it's that Elvish blood buried down there somewhere. My voice isn't that great, but I love to sing and what better place to do it than in church! I'm sure you were better than you give yourself credit for. We often judge our talents more harshly than we do others and I bet you are a terrific choirmaster!!
You were very astute in observing that it is easier to forgive and forget wrongs committed against us than it is when it is committed against our loved ones. Elu and Legolas still have some issues to deal with including some guilt on both sides.
Nancing Elf – Indeed Nirnaeth needs some major help. He doesn't see Jessolothrad as tainted, but he sees himself that way. He is an adult and feels that he could have done something to prevent what happened. He has some very major guilt going on.
As for the Black Arrow – it kind of threw me, too. So we will just have to wait and see.
Rings of the cosmos – Nope. I can't see that arrow as a good thing. As for Legolas forsaking their friendship, well, there maybe fireworks ahead!
Shinigamio – Wouldn't it be nice if life was simple and we could all drink Vandal Root tea and get along together? I think we should all burst into song right here!! I will send you some tea, okay?
Irena - I am very glad you *heart * Elu! You made his day!! Thanks for the comments on my writing. I have gotten into the groove at last. It had been so long since I had written anything that it took a while to get it together. And …well…(looks around furtively) some day I may tell you my dark writing -these -fictions secret, but (whispers) not when Elu is around. I don't want him to hear. It might bring on a Black Thought and I don't want that!! I borrowed one of Davyn's little sayings. Hope you don't mind. I'm afraid I cringed a bit when I used it. You will understand when you read who said it.
Horus – The little Elf, just call him Jess since his name is such a mouthful, will be up next chapter I promise! And no, Elu is not all evil. Heh heh heh!
alliwantisanelfforchristmas - Someone will try to help him, nin mellon. And thank you for the herbal tea confessional. I used it down there, too.
I love tea (and so does Shinigamio) and chocolate anything! We must have dessert together sometime (with lots of tea and chocolate!!)
Queen of the Plot Bunnies – You made it in under the wire! I was about to post Chap. 11 when your review popped through.
As for that wicked little arrow – well, thanks for the BIG PLOT Bunny!! I'll try to keep Elu from shooting it! (wicked Orc laughter in the back ground!!)
Author's Note - A couple of you mentioned the fact that Aragorn did not get the whole story from Legolas. Aragorn, in his past experience with Legolas, knows that his friend can be somewhat reticent at times and will eventually get the whole tale told in his own sweet time. e.g. – when he wouldn't tell Aragorn that Thranduil had sent some of his guards to kill Elu way back in fic #2. Shall Legolas perhaps say "For me the grief is yet too near." Sorry, I couldn't resist. Do not fear. All will be told. Aragorn only has so much patience after all.
Also part of this is dedicated to the Shovel Brigade!
Elu walked behind Lord Elrond and Gandalf, moving away from Elrond's room where Frodo still resided. Elrond had not been pleased with the progress - or lack thereof -that the Hobbit was making. The Orc knew that both Elrond and Mithrandir feared that a piece of the blade was still in the young Hobbit's body somewhere.
"It will kill him if we do not find it." He had told the Wizard grimly as they walked down a garden pathway followed by the subdued Orc. Bilbo and Sam were still with Frodo and the two younger Hobbits that had traveled with Frodo had joined them. They sat morosely about the bed, none of them speaking. It was heartbreaking to see their sorrow and fear.
Elu had followed Elrond and Gandalf for some time. He had seen the look that had passed between them when the Elf Lord had told him to come with them. He wondered what he had done now. Maybe it was his Black Thoughts. Maybe Lord Elrond was angry because he hadn't gone to him immediately when they had first gripped him, but that had been two nights ago. The Black Thoughts hadn't come on him again for which he was thankful, but things were not going as he wished. He had noticed that Legolas seemed ill at ease lately and he would glance nervously at the Orc whenever he thought he wasn't looking. And he also had seen no sign of Jessolothrad, though Elrond assured him that Nirnaeth and Jessolothrad had not left Imladris. Elu sighed. He wished for the first time that he had stayed in Mirkwood.
"Come in here, Elu. I have something for you."
The Orc followed Elrond into a small room, fresh and dried herbs hung from the wooden rafters of the ceiling. Lamp stands in the corners lit the room's interior, causing leafy shadows to dance about the wall. The Elf Lord moved to a table where a pot steamed. He poured the contents into a mug and handed it to the Orc with a smile. Gandalf leaned against the doorway, pulling his pipe from his pouch, his blue eyes merry.
Elu eyed the drink, looking not unlike Elrond when he had surveyed the Vandal Root tea.
"What is in here, Lord Elrond?" He asked at last, the drink as yet untouched.
"Well, let's see." Elrond cleared his throat and began to tick off the ingredients on his fingers.
Gandalf chuckled and raised an eyebrow.
"And who taught you this knowledge?" He asked. "Sauron himself?"
Elu stared in disbelief at the two as they surveyed one another for all of two seconds and burst into laughter. He didn't understand them. He looked down into the mug once more. He raised it to his nose and sniffed.
"There will be none of that, Elu Heneb of Mirkwood. Drink it now. All of it. Or I will have Glorfindel fetch a shovel from the stables and bash you on the head with it and then you will have no choice but to take your medicine."
The Orc stared at him, blue eyes wide. Hurriedly he gulped the hot tea down. He felt it flow down through him, reminding him of his Soga o Glawar, his Drink of Sunlight. He had been introduced formally to the tall, formidable, golden Elf Lord and didn't want to be chased down by him. Especially if he was carrying a shovel.
"Well." Elrond prompted, crossing his arms. "How do you feel?"
Elu stared at him. He didn't feel any different. Not really. He would have shrugged, but he felt that Lord Elrond would not have found that to be an appropriate response.
"I, um…" He glanced from the Wizard to the Elf hoping to see some clue as to what would be an appropriate response. They were both looking at him expectantly, Elrond's dark brows raised. "I – "
"Come tell me in the morning. Say just after sun rise." Elrond said, waving his hand dismissively.
"Oh…Uh…Very well, Lord Elrond." The Orc bowed and with a final glance at the two, who looked highly amused, fled the room.
"I think he is somewhat in awe of you, Elrond." Gandalf said, raising his pipe to his lips once more.
"He should be." Elrond replied, his face drawn in serious lines that suddenly crumbled as he began to laugh once more.
"Legolas Elvellon! Legolas Elvellon!"
The Elf looked up startled by the voice that was growing louder and Elu jogged toward him, his fangs bared in a smile of sheer childlike delight.
"What is it, Elu?" He stood gracefully, brushing the pieces of shredded grass from his tunic. "Is something wrong?"
"No. No! It is wonderful!" The Orc swept his friend up and swung him into the air then pulled him into a bone-crushing embrace.
Legolas grunted slightly then laughed as he was set back on his feet.
"What is it?" He asked, staring into the shining blue eyes.
"Look!" Elu paused dramatically and eased his hood from his head.
Legolas looked up at him in confusion.
"I don't – "
Elu smiled, pointing up.
"The sun, Legolas. It doesn't bother me anymore."
Legolas eyes widened, following the Orcs finger to the sky.
"How?" He breathed, seeing the sunlight falling fully on the Orc's black hair for the first time. He smiled and reached up to touch one of the braids that dangled behind Elu's ears.
"Isn't it wonderful." Elu said, turning his face upward and reveling in the feel of the sun on his face. Always before, even drinking his Soga a Glawar he had to hide beneath his hood, his face cast downward. Never again would he hide from the sun.
Legolas smiled, feeling lighter of heart than he had in quite a while. Perhaps this was a start to the greater Healing that he knew Elu hoped for.
"I am happy for you, nin mellon. It is good to see you standing in the sunlight."
Elu drew a deep breath, closing his eyes.
"It is too wonderful, Legolas Elvellon. I never knew that it would be like this. Lord Elrond is a glorious Healer. He said that after taking this only a few more times I will not even need it to live in the sun. Isn't that –"
"Wonderful." Legolas finished for him. "Yes, Elu. It is."
"Oh, Legolas Elvellon." The Orc opened his eyes and gazed in excitement at the Elf. "There is so much that I want to see: things that I have seen only by moonlight and starlight. But now I want to see them in the sun. Will you come with me?"
"Of course I will. I cannot wait."
Elu looked so elated that it would be easy for Legolas to forget the arrow hidden away beneath Elu's bed. So easy.
"What is this?" A voice called. "An Orc standing in the sunlight beneath the skies of Rivendell?"
The two turned to see Aragorn striding toward them, a grin on his craggy face. Arwen walked beside him, her hand twined with his.
"Dunadan! Nin brennil!" He bowed at her then rushed to meet them, chattering at them both, his eyes snapping with excitement.
:I wish he could always be so happy:, Thranduil's son thought as he watched Arwen gently touch the Orc's cheek as they laughed together. :Always happy and never troubled by his Black Thoughts.:
Aragorn slapped Legolas' shoulder in a companionable way and Arwen gently touched his cheek. Then the two looked at one another then turned to the Orc.
"Elu," Arwen began, taking his hand. "There is someone waiting to see you and I will take you to him."
"Oh? Who?"
Aragorn smiled.
"A young Elf with a harp."
Elu gasped, eyes widening.
"Jessolothrad? He wants to see me? But…but his father?"
"His father is closeted with Lord Elrond and Erestor even as we speak. Do not worry, Elu. Go and enjoy your time together. And I think you might expect an old Hobbit to join you as well. I believe Elrond managed to pry him from Frodo's side for a time."
Elu's grin widened.
"Bilbo will be there, too?" He surprised them all as he threw back his head and laughed loudly and joyfully. "Let us hurry, nin brennil. I do not want to keep them waiting." He grinned hugely at Legolas and Aragorn and then pulled Arwen away, causing her to laugh as she ran to keep up with him, her hand buried in his.
"This is a good day for him." Legolas said, smiling at them as the disappeared into the shrubbery.
"Yes. It seems so. I hope he has many more like it." Aragorn's eyes slid to Legolas. "And now," He said slowly. "It is time that you and I had a little talk."
Legolas turned to him.
"What do you wish to talk about?"
"I don't wish to talk about anything. You, my friend, will do all the talking."
Legolas narrowed his eyes.
"I don't understand what you mean, Aragorn."
"Don't you?" Aragorn smiled and raised an eyebrow. "I don't believe that our little chat the other evening was very satisfying for either of us. So perhaps we should continue it now. Or would you prefer to be closeted with Lord Elrond and Erestor when they are done speaking with Nirnaeth?"
"I don't need to be closeted with them or with you." Legolas said, turning and moving away from the Ranger. But having expected this Aragorn moved to intercept him, gently grabbing the Elf's arm, the infuriating smile still on his lips.
"There is nothing that I wish to talk about, Aragorn. Now release me."
"I don't think so." The smile vanished. "Legolas, even you can break under pressure. And everyone can see that Elu's Black Thoughts affect you nearly as much as they affect him. Have you spoken to anyone about what happened this past summer? Anyone at all?"
"The people of Mirkwood know what happened." The Elf answered evasively. "Cuil, Calenthar, and Lindir were all captured as well. They know…most of it."
Aragorn's mouth dropped open.
"Captured? Legolas, what are you talking about?"
"When Orcs attacked us in Norui (June), they were taken. As was I."
Aragorn shook his head in exasperation.
"Legolas, I have heard it said that even things elven can be broken to accept what they would think otherwise unacceptable. And you, my friend, had better accept this: you will tell me the entire story from the beginning through what you ate for breakfast this morning or else I will – "
"Or else you will what?" The blue eyes narrowed dangerously.
Aragorn was undaunted. He smiled tightly, feeling the arm in his grasp tense as Legolas prepared to yank away from him.
"Or else I will ask Elu."
Aragorn felt the muscles beneath his hand slacken. And Legolas stared at him, his mouth opened slightly as if to protest.
"No." He murmured. "You wouldn't."
"Wouldn't I?"
Legolas eyes slid away and the Ranger could feel the struggle going on inside his friend. After a moment he heard the Elf sigh quietly.
"You are very cruel, Aragorn."
The man laughed.
"Cruel? Perhaps. Have you been speaking to Gollum about it?" He smiled, squeezing the Elf's arm, but not releasing it. "He also thinks I am cruel."
Gollum…Legolas carefully kept his face blank. That was one part of the story that Aragorn would not pry from him… not yet.
"Very well. I will tell you what you want to know about that night." He said. He hadn't lied to Aragorn. The Ranger wanted to know about what had happened between he and Elu. Not about Gollum's escape. The man knew nothing about that and until it became necessary he wouldn't know. "Now, please release me."
Aragorn tipped his head in acknowledgement and let go of Legolas' arm.
"Where do you wish to go?" The Elf prince asked, rubbing his arm where the man's fingers had pinched him. The man hadn't physically hurt him, but he was highly insulted by such treatment.
Aragorn suppressed a smile that would only have added more insult to injury and suggested a small, secluded garden nearby. Legolas nodded and moved away from the man, scowling fiercely. As Legolas walked briskly down the path, Aragorn hurrying to catch up, the man called to him.
"I believe that Elrond knows of a tea that will loosen that tongue of yours right readily if you don't cooperate. But then you may tell me all of your secrets." The man paused. "Perhaps I should go and get it now."
"Do not even think about it, Aragorn." Legolas growled, continuing to move away. "I would never drink anything that you gave me."
"Then I guess that if you tried to escape me Arwen would have to come after you with a shovel. Or perhaps Glorfindel. Or maybe both of them."
Legolas stopped in his tracks and turned to the Ranger.
"What?!"
Aragorn laughed.
"It is a very funny story that Arwen told me once and I will tell it to you some day." He draped an arm about Legolas' shoulders and steered him toward the garden.
"Arwen with a shovel." Legolas snorted. Some how he couldn't quite picture that.
Another train wreck, huh? (gulp!) Please let it wreck on the baddies this time!! Please!! (begging you on my hands and knees, O Daer Bereth!)
Ayod Botla – I am glad that Elu didn't overhear Aragorn and Legolas talking about him. I don't know what he would have done!! Don't know if I want to know!! And yeah, that nasty Black Arrow is still around. What could that mean??
Jan – Nope. I guess the Black Arrow is not good. Do not worry. Aragorn is about to confront Legolas. And no, he cannot keep it inside forever. Very unhealthy. And yes, there is much angst to come (I just have to gear myself up for it. I'm a pretty happy person.) I don't think Elu has come to terms about that night either. They have both been avoiding it. Major avoidance.
AJ Matthews – Glad that you get it! And Elrond will try to help Elu. And well, I don't know if the Black Arrow will fly again or not.
Ranger – It seems that a lot of us are musically inclined. Guess it's that Elvish blood buried down there somewhere. My voice isn't that great, but I love to sing and what better place to do it than in church! I'm sure you were better than you give yourself credit for. We often judge our talents more harshly than we do others and I bet you are a terrific choirmaster!!
You were very astute in observing that it is easier to forgive and forget wrongs committed against us than it is when it is committed against our loved ones. Elu and Legolas still have some issues to deal with including some guilt on both sides.
Nancing Elf – Indeed Nirnaeth needs some major help. He doesn't see Jessolothrad as tainted, but he sees himself that way. He is an adult and feels that he could have done something to prevent what happened. He has some very major guilt going on.
As for the Black Arrow – it kind of threw me, too. So we will just have to wait and see.
Rings of the cosmos – Nope. I can't see that arrow as a good thing. As for Legolas forsaking their friendship, well, there maybe fireworks ahead!
Shinigamio – Wouldn't it be nice if life was simple and we could all drink Vandal Root tea and get along together? I think we should all burst into song right here!! I will send you some tea, okay?
Irena - I am very glad you *heart * Elu! You made his day!! Thanks for the comments on my writing. I have gotten into the groove at last. It had been so long since I had written anything that it took a while to get it together. And …well…(looks around furtively) some day I may tell you my dark writing -these -fictions secret, but (whispers) not when Elu is around. I don't want him to hear. It might bring on a Black Thought and I don't want that!! I borrowed one of Davyn's little sayings. Hope you don't mind. I'm afraid I cringed a bit when I used it. You will understand when you read who said it.
Horus – The little Elf, just call him Jess since his name is such a mouthful, will be up next chapter I promise! And no, Elu is not all evil. Heh heh heh!
alliwantisanelfforchristmas - Someone will try to help him, nin mellon. And thank you for the herbal tea confessional. I used it down there, too.
I love tea (and so does Shinigamio) and chocolate anything! We must have dessert together sometime (with lots of tea and chocolate!!)
Queen of the Plot Bunnies – You made it in under the wire! I was about to post Chap. 11 when your review popped through.
As for that wicked little arrow – well, thanks for the BIG PLOT Bunny!! I'll try to keep Elu from shooting it! (wicked Orc laughter in the back ground!!)
Author's Note - A couple of you mentioned the fact that Aragorn did not get the whole story from Legolas. Aragorn, in his past experience with Legolas, knows that his friend can be somewhat reticent at times and will eventually get the whole tale told in his own sweet time. e.g. – when he wouldn't tell Aragorn that Thranduil had sent some of his guards to kill Elu way back in fic #2. Shall Legolas perhaps say "For me the grief is yet too near." Sorry, I couldn't resist. Do not fear. All will be told. Aragorn only has so much patience after all.
Also part of this is dedicated to the Shovel Brigade!
Elu walked behind Lord Elrond and Gandalf, moving away from Elrond's room where Frodo still resided. Elrond had not been pleased with the progress - or lack thereof -that the Hobbit was making. The Orc knew that both Elrond and Mithrandir feared that a piece of the blade was still in the young Hobbit's body somewhere.
"It will kill him if we do not find it." He had told the Wizard grimly as they walked down a garden pathway followed by the subdued Orc. Bilbo and Sam were still with Frodo and the two younger Hobbits that had traveled with Frodo had joined them. They sat morosely about the bed, none of them speaking. It was heartbreaking to see their sorrow and fear.
Elu had followed Elrond and Gandalf for some time. He had seen the look that had passed between them when the Elf Lord had told him to come with them. He wondered what he had done now. Maybe it was his Black Thoughts. Maybe Lord Elrond was angry because he hadn't gone to him immediately when they had first gripped him, but that had been two nights ago. The Black Thoughts hadn't come on him again for which he was thankful, but things were not going as he wished. He had noticed that Legolas seemed ill at ease lately and he would glance nervously at the Orc whenever he thought he wasn't looking. And he also had seen no sign of Jessolothrad, though Elrond assured him that Nirnaeth and Jessolothrad had not left Imladris. Elu sighed. He wished for the first time that he had stayed in Mirkwood.
"Come in here, Elu. I have something for you."
The Orc followed Elrond into a small room, fresh and dried herbs hung from the wooden rafters of the ceiling. Lamp stands in the corners lit the room's interior, causing leafy shadows to dance about the wall. The Elf Lord moved to a table where a pot steamed. He poured the contents into a mug and handed it to the Orc with a smile. Gandalf leaned against the doorway, pulling his pipe from his pouch, his blue eyes merry.
Elu eyed the drink, looking not unlike Elrond when he had surveyed the Vandal Root tea.
"What is in here, Lord Elrond?" He asked at last, the drink as yet untouched.
"Well, let's see." Elrond cleared his throat and began to tick off the ingredients on his fingers.
Gandalf chuckled and raised an eyebrow.
"And who taught you this knowledge?" He asked. "Sauron himself?"
Elu stared in disbelief at the two as they surveyed one another for all of two seconds and burst into laughter. He didn't understand them. He looked down into the mug once more. He raised it to his nose and sniffed.
"There will be none of that, Elu Heneb of Mirkwood. Drink it now. All of it. Or I will have Glorfindel fetch a shovel from the stables and bash you on the head with it and then you will have no choice but to take your medicine."
The Orc stared at him, blue eyes wide. Hurriedly he gulped the hot tea down. He felt it flow down through him, reminding him of his Soga o Glawar, his Drink of Sunlight. He had been introduced formally to the tall, formidable, golden Elf Lord and didn't want to be chased down by him. Especially if he was carrying a shovel.
"Well." Elrond prompted, crossing his arms. "How do you feel?"
Elu stared at him. He didn't feel any different. Not really. He would have shrugged, but he felt that Lord Elrond would not have found that to be an appropriate response.
"I, um…" He glanced from the Wizard to the Elf hoping to see some clue as to what would be an appropriate response. They were both looking at him expectantly, Elrond's dark brows raised. "I – "
"Come tell me in the morning. Say just after sun rise." Elrond said, waving his hand dismissively.
"Oh…Uh…Very well, Lord Elrond." The Orc bowed and with a final glance at the two, who looked highly amused, fled the room.
"I think he is somewhat in awe of you, Elrond." Gandalf said, raising his pipe to his lips once more.
"He should be." Elrond replied, his face drawn in serious lines that suddenly crumbled as he began to laugh once more.
"Legolas Elvellon! Legolas Elvellon!"
The Elf looked up startled by the voice that was growing louder and Elu jogged toward him, his fangs bared in a smile of sheer childlike delight.
"What is it, Elu?" He stood gracefully, brushing the pieces of shredded grass from his tunic. "Is something wrong?"
"No. No! It is wonderful!" The Orc swept his friend up and swung him into the air then pulled him into a bone-crushing embrace.
Legolas grunted slightly then laughed as he was set back on his feet.
"What is it?" He asked, staring into the shining blue eyes.
"Look!" Elu paused dramatically and eased his hood from his head.
Legolas looked up at him in confusion.
"I don't – "
Elu smiled, pointing up.
"The sun, Legolas. It doesn't bother me anymore."
Legolas eyes widened, following the Orcs finger to the sky.
"How?" He breathed, seeing the sunlight falling fully on the Orc's black hair for the first time. He smiled and reached up to touch one of the braids that dangled behind Elu's ears.
"Isn't it wonderful." Elu said, turning his face upward and reveling in the feel of the sun on his face. Always before, even drinking his Soga a Glawar he had to hide beneath his hood, his face cast downward. Never again would he hide from the sun.
Legolas smiled, feeling lighter of heart than he had in quite a while. Perhaps this was a start to the greater Healing that he knew Elu hoped for.
"I am happy for you, nin mellon. It is good to see you standing in the sunlight."
Elu drew a deep breath, closing his eyes.
"It is too wonderful, Legolas Elvellon. I never knew that it would be like this. Lord Elrond is a glorious Healer. He said that after taking this only a few more times I will not even need it to live in the sun. Isn't that –"
"Wonderful." Legolas finished for him. "Yes, Elu. It is."
"Oh, Legolas Elvellon." The Orc opened his eyes and gazed in excitement at the Elf. "There is so much that I want to see: things that I have seen only by moonlight and starlight. But now I want to see them in the sun. Will you come with me?"
"Of course I will. I cannot wait."
Elu looked so elated that it would be easy for Legolas to forget the arrow hidden away beneath Elu's bed. So easy.
"What is this?" A voice called. "An Orc standing in the sunlight beneath the skies of Rivendell?"
The two turned to see Aragorn striding toward them, a grin on his craggy face. Arwen walked beside him, her hand twined with his.
"Dunadan! Nin brennil!" He bowed at her then rushed to meet them, chattering at them both, his eyes snapping with excitement.
:I wish he could always be so happy:, Thranduil's son thought as he watched Arwen gently touch the Orc's cheek as they laughed together. :Always happy and never troubled by his Black Thoughts.:
Aragorn slapped Legolas' shoulder in a companionable way and Arwen gently touched his cheek. Then the two looked at one another then turned to the Orc.
"Elu," Arwen began, taking his hand. "There is someone waiting to see you and I will take you to him."
"Oh? Who?"
Aragorn smiled.
"A young Elf with a harp."
Elu gasped, eyes widening.
"Jessolothrad? He wants to see me? But…but his father?"
"His father is closeted with Lord Elrond and Erestor even as we speak. Do not worry, Elu. Go and enjoy your time together. And I think you might expect an old Hobbit to join you as well. I believe Elrond managed to pry him from Frodo's side for a time."
Elu's grin widened.
"Bilbo will be there, too?" He surprised them all as he threw back his head and laughed loudly and joyfully. "Let us hurry, nin brennil. I do not want to keep them waiting." He grinned hugely at Legolas and Aragorn and then pulled Arwen away, causing her to laugh as she ran to keep up with him, her hand buried in his.
"This is a good day for him." Legolas said, smiling at them as the disappeared into the shrubbery.
"Yes. It seems so. I hope he has many more like it." Aragorn's eyes slid to Legolas. "And now," He said slowly. "It is time that you and I had a little talk."
Legolas turned to him.
"What do you wish to talk about?"
"I don't wish to talk about anything. You, my friend, will do all the talking."
Legolas narrowed his eyes.
"I don't understand what you mean, Aragorn."
"Don't you?" Aragorn smiled and raised an eyebrow. "I don't believe that our little chat the other evening was very satisfying for either of us. So perhaps we should continue it now. Or would you prefer to be closeted with Lord Elrond and Erestor when they are done speaking with Nirnaeth?"
"I don't need to be closeted with them or with you." Legolas said, turning and moving away from the Ranger. But having expected this Aragorn moved to intercept him, gently grabbing the Elf's arm, the infuriating smile still on his lips.
"There is nothing that I wish to talk about, Aragorn. Now release me."
"I don't think so." The smile vanished. "Legolas, even you can break under pressure. And everyone can see that Elu's Black Thoughts affect you nearly as much as they affect him. Have you spoken to anyone about what happened this past summer? Anyone at all?"
"The people of Mirkwood know what happened." The Elf answered evasively. "Cuil, Calenthar, and Lindir were all captured as well. They know…most of it."
Aragorn's mouth dropped open.
"Captured? Legolas, what are you talking about?"
"When Orcs attacked us in Norui (June), they were taken. As was I."
Aragorn shook his head in exasperation.
"Legolas, I have heard it said that even things elven can be broken to accept what they would think otherwise unacceptable. And you, my friend, had better accept this: you will tell me the entire story from the beginning through what you ate for breakfast this morning or else I will – "
"Or else you will what?" The blue eyes narrowed dangerously.
Aragorn was undaunted. He smiled tightly, feeling the arm in his grasp tense as Legolas prepared to yank away from him.
"Or else I will ask Elu."
Aragorn felt the muscles beneath his hand slacken. And Legolas stared at him, his mouth opened slightly as if to protest.
"No." He murmured. "You wouldn't."
"Wouldn't I?"
Legolas eyes slid away and the Ranger could feel the struggle going on inside his friend. After a moment he heard the Elf sigh quietly.
"You are very cruel, Aragorn."
The man laughed.
"Cruel? Perhaps. Have you been speaking to Gollum about it?" He smiled, squeezing the Elf's arm, but not releasing it. "He also thinks I am cruel."
Gollum…Legolas carefully kept his face blank. That was one part of the story that Aragorn would not pry from him… not yet.
"Very well. I will tell you what you want to know about that night." He said. He hadn't lied to Aragorn. The Ranger wanted to know about what had happened between he and Elu. Not about Gollum's escape. The man knew nothing about that and until it became necessary he wouldn't know. "Now, please release me."
Aragorn tipped his head in acknowledgement and let go of Legolas' arm.
"Where do you wish to go?" The Elf prince asked, rubbing his arm where the man's fingers had pinched him. The man hadn't physically hurt him, but he was highly insulted by such treatment.
Aragorn suppressed a smile that would only have added more insult to injury and suggested a small, secluded garden nearby. Legolas nodded and moved away from the man, scowling fiercely. As Legolas walked briskly down the path, Aragorn hurrying to catch up, the man called to him.
"I believe that Elrond knows of a tea that will loosen that tongue of yours right readily if you don't cooperate. But then you may tell me all of your secrets." The man paused. "Perhaps I should go and get it now."
"Do not even think about it, Aragorn." Legolas growled, continuing to move away. "I would never drink anything that you gave me."
"Then I guess that if you tried to escape me Arwen would have to come after you with a shovel. Or perhaps Glorfindel. Or maybe both of them."
Legolas stopped in his tracks and turned to the Ranger.
"What?!"
Aragorn laughed.
"It is a very funny story that Arwen told me once and I will tell it to you some day." He draped an arm about Legolas' shoulders and steered him toward the garden.
"Arwen with a shovel." Legolas snorted. Some how he couldn't quite picture that.