Whew, I seem to have upset some people with the last chapter--sorry, but there is a reason it happened. To my anonymous flamer, if you really don't like to send flames why did you? Especially one with profanities! Saying it was disgusting or unnecessary or you didn't like it is fine. Other stories have a lot worse rape scenarios that are a lot more descriptive and detailed. Any flames will be removed if they aren't constructive--which I have done to yours…
Chapter 44--Shattered Spirit
They stayed hidden for three days then Boromir and Syri rode back to see if the army had moved out. They figured they could skirt the army and enter Mirkwood if it hadn't, but if it had they could go in directly.
Aragorn was worried about Legolas. He had withdrawn and only spoke when asked a direct question. He barely ate and showed no excitement about going home. He was awoken from nightmares almost every night, often more then once. Qui stayed close and Aragorn was glade. He felt that Legolas needed to be watched. Damn you, Arathorn, you did this to break him, but I will not let it happen, I swear it. There must be someone who can help, he thought.
Boromir and Syri returned two days later. "Good news, they are gone, we can go directly to Mirkwood," Boromir said.
Legolas didn't react he just glanced over then looked away.
"We will leave in the morning," Aragorn said. He gave Legolas a quick concerned glance.
Early the next morning they ate a quick breakfast then headed towards Mirkwood. Aragorn rode up beside Legolas. "You must be eager to see your father and brother again," he remarked.
"I was," Legolas muttered. "Now I am not sure I can look either of them in the eyes."
"Legolas, my father raped you, you were not to blame, he is. You have no reason to be ashamed. If anyone should be it is him," Aragorn said.
Legolas looked at him and Aragorn fought back a shiver when he saw the tortured look in his eyes. "Your father did not do it, but he watched while another did," he said flatly and urged his horse forward.
Watching Legolas ride off, Aragorn was furious. At that moment if Arathorn had been there Aragorn would have cut him down without a second thought. He hated him for what he had done.
They reached Mirkwood without trouble and entered. "Stop!! Identify yourselves!!" a voice shouted in common.
"Aragorn! My companions are Gimli, Boromir, Syri and Qui!! We have brought Prince Legolas home!!" he called.
"King Thranduil has been waiting. He will be pleased to see his son home safely," the Elf said. He emerged in front of the group and bowed. "Welcome home, Prince Legolas, you have been missed," he said. "I will take you to the castle."
"Thank you," Legolas said.
They followed the Elf to the castle. Someone must have went ahead and told Thranduil because he was waiting. When Legolas dismounted he stepped forward his father embraced him.
Aragorn noticed Legolas tense when his father touched him. Thranduil noticed too because he looked concerned, but he didn't bring attention to it.
"I have missed you, Greenleaf," Thranduil said softly. "Your brother is out on patrol, but he will be back tomorrow."
"I missed you too, father," Legolas said.
"You must be tired from your travels," Thranduil said. He gestured to some servants. "Show my son to his chambers and our guest to their rooms as well. We will talk after you have rested."
The servants bowed and led the party away. Aragorn wasn't surprised that Thranduil came to his room twenty minutes later. He let the King in and shut the door.
Thranduil didn't waste time with pleasantries. "What has happened to my son?" he demanded.
Aragorn sighed. "Please be seated, sire. It is a long story and not a very pleasant one," he said.
Thranduil did and Aragorn began to explain…..
I see major fireworks coming--don't you? R/R please!!!
