*** " [ " indicates the contents of a written letter. " * " indicates unspoken thought. *** A/N: Chapter 17 is the Epilogue. Don't miss it! :) Look for a little spoiler about upcoming stories at the bottom of this page. And once again, special thanks to Thecla, my beta reader! If this story is grammatically correct, it's all her fault and not mine. :D LOL Please enjoy and thanks for reading! ~ Nebride

"The Caverns of Mirkwood"

Chapter 16

Connected, But Not Joined

*********

"Please do not be angry with Legolas for his impertinent words, your Majesty," Alede said as the King showed her into his study. "You and he are more alike than I think either of you realize."

"Then you think I am impertinent?" Thranduil said quietly but Alede heard the warning growl in his tone.

"Nay, that is not what I meant! You are both strong-minded and speak your opinions boldly. It is not surprising that the two of you clash so easily."

"Yes. I thank you for explaining my son to me," Thranduil said with more than a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Alede managed to keep her exasperation from showing and sat down in the chair he indicated. Her skirt was uncomfortably damp, but she ignored it. She could guess why the king had asked her here. She had promised to leave once he was well and no doubt he sought to remind her of that promise.

Thranduil set a bag in front of her and sat down in his chair. Alede guessed the contents from the chinking sound it had made.

"In gratitude for saving my life and the life of the Crown Prince," Thranduil said steepling his fingers and watching her intensely.

"I appreciate your gesture," Alede said inclining her head. "But I do not want your gold."

"That is well, since I give you none. It is silver."

Alede fought a wave of irritation. How was it that Thranduil could make her feel a fool with only a few words? She groped for an intelligent retort, but could think of nothing. Suddenly Legolas' song was in her head, encouraging her. He sensed her distress through their connection.

Alede's chin came up and she gave the King a level look. "I thank you for the offer of silver, Sire. But I cannot accept it. There is no price for the life of an Elvin King. I know you care not for my company. But I can tell you that for my part, it was an honor to serve you. You are the last ruler of your people here in Middle Earth. And while you and I may have no great love for each other, I do respect you and I respect what you represent. I would have done anything to heal you and I neither ask, nor expect any payment." She rose as if to go, feeling that she had given a good account of herself. But Thranduil motioned her back into her seat.

"Well spoken, Lady," he said and Alede thought she caught just a hint of amusement on his lips. "But I'm afraid that I insist. Just as healers have a duty to Elvin Kings, Elvin kings have a duty to their faithful servants. And you have proved yourself worthy of my gratitude, though certainly not my love."

Alede managed not to roll her eyes. Thranduil was obviously enjoying throwing her words back at her.

"I have one other gift for you," he continued. "It has come to my attention that you have no horse, save one made of magic. I wish to give you one of my stable."

Alede's mouth dropped open. A horse? The gift of a horse was far more valuable to her than a bag of silver. Of course she also realized the King's intent behind it. If she had a mortal horse, she'd be less likely to use her spell horse, and thereby less likely to fly off and visit Legolas. Never the less, it had been literally centuries since she'd had a horse of her own. And one did not turn down the gift of an Elvin horse. Even if it was an old nag, she'd still be grateful. She managed to shut her mouth and caught what the King was saying.

". Her name is Faunlend. She is sweet tempered and of excellent lineage, being descended from Legolas' first stallion. I thought that would have some sentimental value for you." He gave her a piercing look and Alede was stunned. She had not expected anything so thoughtful from him. She suspected that the King of Mirkwood had far more depth to his character than she had ever guessed. It would be an intriguing challenge to explore those depths, but she doubted that she'd ever get the chance.

"Yes. yes, it does have great sentimental value," she said. "I thank you, Sire. You may be assured that I will take great care of her."

"Good, then that is settled," Thranduil interrupted. "Lomomir will be riding back to Rivendell with you. He has asked permission to study Elrond's healing books and I have granted it."

"By which you mean, 'Here is your horse, what is your hurry?' do you not?" Alede couldn't help saying with a touch of bitterness.

Thranduil actually chuckled. "Something like that."

She paused, reluctant to acknowledge his victory. But honesty finally made her reply.

"I will leave the day after tomorrow if that is satisfactory to your Majesty."

"It is. I will inform Lomomir and have my people prepare provisions for your journey."

"Thank you." Alede rose. The interview appeared to be over. As she walked to the door, she paused and looked back.

"About your son, Sire. a word of advice."

"I need not your advice," Thranduil said briskly.

"But I will give it anyway," she said just as briskly. "As I said, Legolas is much like you. The tighter you try to hang on to him, the harder he will struggle to get away from you. Give him his freedom. Only then can you win back his heart."

Before Thranduil could give her a retort, Alede turned and walked out of the door.

*********

Alede could not find Legolas, though she could hear his song when she listened for it. Just to be connected to him in some small way comforted her.

She made her way down to the stables after cleaning up and changing clothes. The stable master introduced her to her new horse and she was just getting acquainted when a voice spoke softly behind her.

"I thought I might find you here."

Alede turned. "Legolas, your father gave me a horse! Isn't she a beauty?"

Legolas smiled and reached up to stroke the filly's neck. Faunlend responded by nuzzling his chest. The horse was indeed beautiful. Only seven years old, she was very young by Elvin standards. Her eyes were bright with intelligence and she was obviously not a boringly docile palfrey. But she was well mannered and perfectly trained. Alede loved her already.

"Father told me of his choice and I was pleased. She is one of his best. I think perhaps you've won him over, Alede."

She laughed, causing Faunlend to turn a curious nose toward her. Alede stroked the soft muzzle. "I think not. Your father despises me as he ever did."

"Nay, he does not despise you. I'd wager that he thinks so highly of you he'd be willing to find a husband for you," Legolas paused and winked at her. "Some nice lord who lives as far away from Ithilien as possible."

Alede laughed again, "Or a farmer in the Shire."

They laughed together and Alede thought how wonderful it was to share some happiness with him.

"I suspect however," she continued. "That Thranduil's gift is more about showing the denizens of Rivendell the superiority of his stables. But whatever the reason, I am glad. Her name means "sweet cloud" does it not?"

"Yes, she was named for her temperament and her color."

Alede rubbed a hand over the white coat, dappled with silvery gray hairs. "She does look like a summer rain cloud."

"How did you fare against my father?" Legolas asked with some concern. "I felt your frustration."

She shook her head. "Not very well. But I thank you for your support. I could hear you," she glanced up at him fondly.

"When do you leave?" Legolas asked quietly. "I can feel that you prepare to say goodbye."

Alede swallowed hard. She had been trying not to think about it. "The day after tomorrow. That will give time for provisions to be prepared." She broke off and touched her hand to Legolas' arm. "I don't wish to leave. But I did promise your father that I would leave as soon as he was well."

"But you are my guest here."

"I know. But saying goodbye to you will be painful no matter when I go. I'd. rather get it over with. I hope you can understand."

"I do. But I am coming with you."

"But."

"No. I will see you safely to Rivendell. I would never allow you to travel such a great distance alone. When you traveled on your spell horse it was different. But you will have to cross the Misty Mountains now."

Alede shook her head. "Legolas, don't. It will cause even more contention between you and your father if you accompany me. I do not wish to come between you. And there is much healing you must do here with your family. Tempers have caused all of you to make injurious remarks to each other. Stay and mend your relationship with your family. Besides," she shrugged. "Rivendell is the opposite direction of Ithilien. Think of how I will worry for you if you travel so great a distance. Lomomir is going with me. I will be fine."

Legolas gave her a stubborn look. "We shall see," he said quietly. Then he reached into his tunic and held out his hand to her. Alede looked down as he opened his fingers. In his palm lay an exquisitely beautiful locket and chain. On the front was a delicately carved emerald in the shape of a leaf.

"Green leaf." The significance of the design was not lost on her and she picked it up carefully. "Thank you," she said fighting tears.

"I hoped that you would like it," he sounded a little unsure.

Because she could not speak, she only nodded.

"I'm afraid I crushed the other one. It had fallen to the floor and I trod upon on it. Our smith said he could not repair it, so I asked him to make a new one. He finished it just today." Legolas slid his long knife from his belt and handed to her, then pulled the tie off of one of his warrior's braids and nodded to her. Alede hesitantly combed her fingers through his silky hair and separated three strands, which she carefully cut off. Winding them around her finger in a coil, she placed them inside the locket.

Legolas fastened the chain around her neck and Alede touched her fingers to it, looking up at him solemnly. Legolas opened his arms and she stepped into his warm embrace.

They stood holding each other long after Faunlend lost interest in snuffling them and turned back to her manger of hay.

*********

Legolas was pleased to see that Alede was a good traveler. She did not complain of the trail or the hard ground and treated her horse with great consideration. Four others traveled with them. Lomomir had brought two apprentices and Hithrawyn had asked to accompany them as well. He said it was to assure Legolas safe passage through Mirkwood on his return journey. But the prince suspected that the guard merely wished to spend more time in Alede's company. She had certainly won over the silent guard, even if she hadn't won over Thranduil.

Hithrawyn and Legolas would be turning back once they reached the boundaries of Mirkwood. Legolas was not entirely happy with that arrangement and he and Alede had argued about it twice before their departure. But the deciding factor had actually been King Thranduil, who had come to Legolas late one night. Instead of ordering his youngest son to not travel to Rivendell, he had instead asked him if he would return soon.

"I know that we have many differences," Thranduil had said quietly. "I would wish that we might mend some of them. And more than that, I have missed you Son. I would hear more of your adventures in Ithilien, if you would tell me."

Surprised by the humility of his father's request, Legolas had agreed to accompany Alede only to the edge of Mirkwood. The King had said nothing, though Legolas knew he was not pleased. He would keep Legolas from her entirely, if he could. But Thranduil had only nodded his head and left Legolas' room.

In front of him, Alede leaned over Faunlend's neck whispering sweet nothings in the horse's ear and pulling Legolas back to the present. He watched as she sat up and arched her back, stretching stiff muscles.

She sat her horse adequately, but not with the grace or skill of Elvin riders. Fortunately her experience with the spell horse had taught her to mount without a saddle. Yet Legolas could see that she had learned to ride in one. Riding without tack required slightly different skills.

Urging Arod forward, he drew beside her, hearing as he did the joyous notes in her song as she turned to him. He couldn't help smile at her.

"It is said by many people that Elves are arrogant," he whispered, leaning over so that only she might hear. "If you continue to place me on such a pedestal, I will become impossibly smug."

"You are already impossibly smug," Alede happily retorted.

He chuckled softly and reached out a hand to touch her face. "Do you know. when I am with you, I can barely hear the sea."

Alede furrowed her brow. "Is that a good thing?"

He shrugged. "Both good and bad. I miss its call, yet it is a relief to not hear it as well. I cannot explain." He shrugged again. "I do not think that any of my kind have learned to live with the call. It drives some mad and others' heed it with no will of their own."

"And to which fate will it take you?" she asked worriedly.

"Neither, if I can help it," he clasped her hand, noting as he did so that Lomomir glanced back at them.

Alede also saw the look from the healer. "Tis a good thing he goes with me to Rivendell," Alede whispered, "else your father would think I am taking liberties with you and come to fetch me to his dungeon."

"He might try," Legolas said with a twinkle of challenge in his eye. "But, I am not under Father's thumb as much as you believe, Alede."

Ahead of them, Lomomir chuckled softly but said nothing.

Legolas did not respond to his uncle's quiet laughter, though he cast him an amused glance. He was glad to have this time with him. Lomomir had been his favorite as a child and he hoped that this journey would help them to repair that relationship. Lomomir had already apologized twice for his suspicions.

Legolas turned to Alede. "You will not reach Rivendell, if you do not learn to sit Faunlend a little better. Both of you will be too sore."

"I am unused to riding so long." Alede admitted.

He nudged Arod closer still. He stroked his hand down Alede's back. "Slide forward a bit. It is uncomfortable for Faunlend to carry your weight in the center of her back. If you are closer to her shoulders, she will carry you more easily. Also you will have the advantage of feeling her movements more readily and can anticipate her."

Alede scooted up and looked around at Legolas.

"A little more," and he cupped his hand beneath her bottom to help push her into place.

"Legolas!"

He chuckled as she swatted his hand away. He quickly changed the subject before she could reproach him.

"That is good. You'll need to grip more tightly with your knees than the way you are accustomed to riding. But it will seem natural in time."

Alede nodded and settled into her new position. But she still gave Legolas a curious glance.

I cannot blame her, he thought. I have told her all the reasons I cannot be with her, yet I cannot hide my attraction to her and seek to touch her whenever I can. Small wonder that she thinks it strange. Yet she is irresistible to me. As I am to her, he finished sadly. *Are we fated to be connected, but never joined?*

*********

Alede finished rubbing Faunlend down and with a gentle pat, pushed the horse toward where the others' mounts grazed. Limping painfully over to her bedroll, she picked up her water skin. Her thighs burned from gripping Faunlend's sides with her knees. She had to admit that it was easier on her back, she sat straighter because of it and Faunlend had seemed pleased as well.

"Is the water in this stream safe?" she asked gesturing to the small creek they had made their evening camp near. Hithrawyn and Lomomir looked up from the small fire where they were debating the contents of the cook pot that held their dinner. The two apprentices were settling their bedrolls and Legolas was waxing the string of his bow.

"The water is good," Hithrawyn replied and then went back to his argument over the addition of wild onions to the stew.

"As long as you beware of Green Meg," Legolas said quietly.

"What?" Alede turned back around and saw that everyone had frozen in place, watching Legolas intently.

Legolas set down his bow and walked over to her, ignoring the looks from his companions. "Green Meg. You've not heard of her?"

Alede shook her head.

"She is a water sprite," Legolas continued, his voice grim. "It is said she dwells in the waters deep in Mirkwood and preys on unsuspecting travelers when they go to the river to drink.'

Alede made a face. "Sounds like the stories I've heard parents tell their children to keep them away from the water's edge."

"Tis no story," Legolas said seriously. "I've seen her. She has long wet limbs like a frog, but the face of an old hag and her streaming hair is filled with waterweeds. Tis said she eats her victims raw. I wouldn't doubt it, for when I saw her she had fearsome teeth."

Alede didn't quite believe him. True, there were strange creatures that lived in Mirkwood, but this had the feel of a folk tale to her.

"I think you're teasing me," she finally said.

"Nay, he's not," Lomomir added. "I've treated the wounds of those bitten by her. They fester terribly, for she has venom in her bite."

"Really," Alede said slowly. "What did you use on the wounds?"

"Oil of garlic."

That impressed Alede. Oil of garlic was rarely used except on the most troublesome of wounds and as a last resort.

"Well, thank you for the warning." she glanced back at the stream hesitantly.

"Oh, you'll be safe during the day," Legolas said.

Alede nodded and went down to fill her skin; looking up and down the water as well as she could in Mirkwood's dim light.

They had only traveled two days so far, but already the darkness troubled her. Traveling with the Elves was far more pleasant than the trips she'd made through the forest alone though. Her last trip had been on foot too, after she'd escaped Thranduil's dungeon. Dangerous as it had been, it was also the shortest route to the Misty Mountains and she's dared not linger on that trip.

Something made a plopping sound in the water and she straightened up abruptly looking all around, but saw nothing. Capping her water skin, she turned back to the camp and hurried back to the Elves' presence. In the dim evening light, all of them glowed slightly. Legolas and Lomomir most of all, their pale hair standing out in contrast with the black forest around them.

Dinner was a pleasant affair. The stew had been improved by the addition of the wild onions Lomomir had recommended and their bread was still fresh. Alede knew they'd be down to lembas and dried fruit by the time they reached Rivendell, so she enjoyed the hot food while it lasted. The company was good as well. Hithrawyn proved to have a knack for story telling once he had a skin of wine in him and he'd amused all of them with tales of his various adventures. Many of his stories were terribly funny. And Alede had forgotten about Legolas' warning of the water sprite by the time she rose with the cook pot in her hand. Since she didn't do any of the cooking, she'd offered at the onset of their journey to do the washing up.

She lighted her staff as she left the circle of the campfire and carried her small armload of copper plates down to the stream. The sight of the dark water reminded her of Legolas' warning and she hesitated, a chill running up her spine. Looking back, the Elves were still seated comfortably around the fire and she hated to ask them to accompany her. Her fears seemed childish.

Surely nothing would attack with a company of Elves so close, she thought to herself.

Cautiously, she approached the stream, shining her light in all directions. She saw nothing suspicious and did her washing up rather quickly, casting her gaze in all directions nervously. Shaking the water out of the pots, she gathered them up quickly and scrambled up the bank toward the camp. Just as she reached the top, cold wet hands grabbed her from behind.

The clatter of the pots and pans as they fell to the ground was almost as loud as her shriek as Alede whirled around to confront the horrid thing that grasped her.

"LEGOLAS!!" she shouted in outrage as she recognized her attacker. The prince burst into undignified guffaws of laughter at the same time that the Elves in camp did.

Furiously, Alede realized she'd been the victim of what was probably a standard Elf joke in Mirkwood. Throwing a vicious glance at the camp, she turned back to the main prankster.

"You frightened the life out of me!"

Which only set Legolas to laughing again as he wiped his water dampened hands on his leggings.

"Oh honestly!" she exclaimed with a stamp of her foot. Gathering up the pots and plates, she pushed them into the still laughing prince's arms and stalked off. "You can go rinse the dirt out of them yourself!"

*********

Alede pretended to hold a grudge as long as she could. But Legolas knew that she was bursting with mirth herself. As they all settled for bed, Hithrawyn chuckled as she walked past. With lightening movements Alede shoved the guard off of the log he sat upon. The whole company laughed as Hithrawyn pulled himself up, a look of surprise on his face.

They traveled easily after that with much teasing and friendly banter, which Alede returned with spirit. Legolas found himself liking her more and more as the dark days passed. She was a surprising mixture of feistiness and sweetness, boldness and humility.

I could grow very accustomed to her company, he realized as they approached Mirkwood's border.

Beside him, Alede sighed and he heard the sadness in her song. It was time to part.

Bright afternoon sun shone down on them as they walked their horses out from under Mirkwood's canopy and onto the Old Forest Road. The Anduin sparkled far ahead of them, the Misty Mountains rising in the distance.

Without a word, all of them stopped and dismounted. Alede stared at the distant mountains with sadness on her face. Legolas spoke quietly with his uncle. Their own relationship had mended on the journey.

"I will see her safely to Rivendell," Lomomir assured him.

"Thank you Uncle. Will you stay there long, do you think?"

Lomomir shrugged. "As long as it takes. Alede assures me that Rivendell's library is larger than any in Middle Earth. I will study as much of it as I can and take the knowledge back to our people. Your father intends to stay and I will stay as long as he does. Indeed, I think the sea longing cannot touch him. He is as rooted to Mirkwood as one of his beach trees."

"Yet beach trees can be blown down in great storms and set adrift in flood," Legolas countered.

Lomomir seemed to understand the inference. "I hope you find peace, Legolas." They embraced and Legolas bid farewell to the two apprentices. Swinging a saddlebag off of his own packhorse, Legolas transferred it to Lomomir's.

"This is yours, Alede," he said. She looked over at the bag he indicated.

"What is it?"

He shrugged. "Just a small gift."

"Indeed?" she moved toward it, but Legolas caught her hand.

"Do not open it here. Wait until you reach Rivendell."

She nodded. "Alright, if that is what you wish." She stood looking up at him, her eyes dark and solemn.

Legolas moved closer and took her in his arms. "Thank you for coming when I needed you. Thank you for saving my family. And most of all," his voice sank to a whisper. "Thank you for loving me the way you do."

Alede's lip trembled and he knew she fought tears. Bending his head, he kissed her. Not the simple kiss they'd shared before, but one of passion. He felt her surprise as he nudged her lips apart. But she gave him entrance and he twined his tongue with hers, letting himself sink into the depths of her warm sweetness. Her arms slid around his shoulders and her fingers sank into his hair. The tiny whimper she uttered mingled with his soft sigh. He tightened his arms around her waist, pulling her close, feeling the swell of her breasts against his chest, the push of her abdomen against his. She melded against him as he lost himself to the feel of her body and the softness of her mouth moving against his.

How long they stood there in each other's embrace, he knew not. But when he finally lifted his head, the horses had all shifted position and all the riders of the company were mounted, starring discreetly at the Misty Mountains.

Alede touched her fingers lightly to the side of his face. "I must go," she whispered, "or I will never be able to bear this. Thank you for." she paused and her voice sank even lower, ". sharing your song with me."

"Be well, Alede." He helped her mount.

"Be well, Legolas." And then she nudged Faunlend toward the Anduin and did not look back.

*********

Alede turned when they reached the river and looked back toward the dark smudge that was Mirkwood. She thought she could see where the road wound up to its entrance and it seemed too that something white shone against the dark trees.

"Lomomir?"

The healer turned. He had been respectfully silent during this part of their journey.

"Can." she had to clear her throat. "Can you see the entrance to Mirkwood?"

"Yes." There was a pause while she looked at him imploringly.

"Legolas sits atop Arod and watches us," Lomomir finished.

So she had not imagined Arod's white coat against the trees. Raising her hand to her face, Alede kissed her fingertips and turned the palm out in a silent gesture of farewell. Then she urged Faunlend into the shallows and crossed the great river.

*********

Several days later when they reached Rivendell, Alede greeted her father with pleasure and was swept into a teasing embrace by Elrohir. But it was solitude she sought, after the feasting was done and she walked with the still unopened saddlebag out onto the balcony of her own rooms. Sitting in the carved wooden chair, with the moon shining down upon her, she untied the lacing and dumped the contents out onto the little table. A gown of the finest linen with gold threads spilled out. Alede held it up and it shimmered in the darkness like moonlight. Beneath it was the sleeping gown she'd worn that night she'd stayed in his rooms and she hugged the garment to her chest for a moment fighting down memories that threatened to overwhelm her. At the bottom of the bag was a book, which she drew out carefully. Her breath caught as she read the cover, "Demons and Other Denizens of Darkness." Opening the cover, she saw Legolas' fine flowing script.

[Dearest Alede, I found this among Unilyn's things. I suppose she could not bear to burn it. I hope that you will accept it. Perhaps it will aid you in the future as you aided me. With all my gratitude, Legolas]

Alede hugged the book to her chest as the tears started to flow. Never had anyone caused her so much pain. "But it's such a sweet pain," she whispered into the darkness. She sat on the balcony for a long time listening to the Elves singing and watching the moon slide through the trees.

*********

Legolas walked up the steps to his father's chambers with some trepidation. He thought of going to his rooms first to change out of his traveling clothes, but decided against it. He could always use that as an excuse to leave if he had to. Making amends with his family was not something he was looking forward too, yet at the same time he yearned to heal the breech.

Pausing at the top of the stairs, he "listened" for Alede. Hearing her song, even with such a great distance between them gave him some comfort. She felt. lonely, he decided. But not particularly sad. Alede was a serious woman, but she was not prone to melancholy.

I am melancholy enough for both of us, he thought with disgust. *I used to not be like this.* Even as he let his focus drift away from her, the call of the sea rushed back into his mind.

With a sigh, Legolas pushed both melodies to the back of his consciousness and continued to his father's chambers. The servant opened the door and bid him enter. Legolas walked through the anteroom and paused just outside the study.

The King and Franduil were seated near the desk. Thranduil had pulled his chair so close to his son's that their knees almost touched. Franduil's head was bowed and he looked down at his lap, his face flushed with emotion. To Legolas' experienced eye, his brother appeared very close to tears and he froze, hoping they would not notice him.

Thranduil leaned forward intensely, one hand on his son's knee.

"I have always, always," the King repeated, "been proud of you, Franduil. I know that you did not wish to be heir. Yet you have born your title and duties with honor and grace. I could not be more pleased with you, my Son."

Legolas dared not move. He hadn't heard his father speak so openly in years and he wished not to interrupt such an intimate conversation. If he moved now, they'd notice him for certain.

Thranduil clasped his son's hands between his own and said earnestly, "I have always loved you and Legolas equally. I favor neither of you over the other."

At these words, Franduil made a small sobbing sound and Thranduil gather him tenderly against his shoulder. Legolas realized that he'd no knowledge of the difficulties Franduil had faced here at home. He had not seen his father so gentle and loving since their mother's death. When they'd been boys, Thranduil had been openly affectionate and generous.

Was it her loss that turned him so cold? Legolas wondered.

He watched father and son embrace and then Thranduil noticed his youngest son in the doorway. Releasing Franduil, he rose and embraced Legolas.

"Welcome home Son."

Franduil also rose, wiping tears away with the palm of his hand. Legolas gave him a sympathetic look. How many times had Franduil dried the tears of his youngest brother? Legolas crossed over to him and hugged him warmly.

"Welcome home Legolas. Can you forgive me?"

"Of course. You are my brother."

Thranduil clapped them both on the back.

"Come boys, sit down. I will have dinner brought to us here and we will talk." He turned briefly to Legolas. "I trust the journey was without incident?"

"Yes, Father. Though Alede did meet up with Green Meg."

Franduil chuckled and Legolas caught a gleam of amusement in his father's eyes.

"And did she find the encounter with Mirkwood's oldest legend to her liking, Son?"

"Screeched like a banshee."

All three of them burst into laughter.

Thranduil rose after a few moments to give instructions to the servants, then waved the brother's into chairs around the table.

"Sit and Franduil, tell us of what our little mischief maker Thrania has been up to today. And when you are done, Legolas will tell us of his adventures in Ithilien." He poured out generous glasses of wine and handed them around. Legolas sat back listening fondly as Franduil began describing Thrania's latest escapades.

It is good to be home, Legolas thought. *It is good to be with my family again.*

The End

*********

A/N: Well, what do you think? Will Alede get her Elf? Don't count on it! In the next story, everything that can go wrong, does! When Legolas and Gimli travel to Rivendell, the whole place seems bewitched. Alede is betrothed to someone else, Elves and Wizards are disappearing and there's the mysterious events concerning a silver goblet. Legolas faces jealousy and an enchantment that could cost him his sanity and his eternal freedom. Coming up in "The Faerie Goblet"!

Don't forget to read the epilogue (Chapter 17) and check back next weekend for the third story in the Legolas/Alede adventures. See you then! ~Nebride