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Chapter 45--Anger And Love

When Aragorn finished he waited for Thranduil's reaction, knowing it wouldn't be good.

Thranduil stood. "You were supposed to bring my son safely home and instead he was raped and humiliated!! I should have sent some of my men for him instead of trusting a damned half-breed!!" he snarled. "Servants have seen his shorn hair and are gossiping about what happened!! My son will never live down this!! He could have died from this brutally violation of his body and spirit!! I could order you executed!!"

Aragorn looked into Thranduil's angry eyes. "I am sorry, Legolas became a friend and I would have taken his place if I could have, but there was nothing I could do to stop it. I hope that he will be well. I never wanted him to be hurt," he said.

Thranduil took a deep breath. His eyes still were hard and angry. "I want you and all your comrades out of Mirkwood tomorrow. You are forbidden to speak to or see my son. You have caused enough damage all ready. Do not ever show your face in Mirkwood again or you will be killed on sight," he warned. Turning on his heel, he left and slammed the door behind him.

Legolas glared at his reflection in the mirror. He looked awful, his hair was ragged and uneven and he had dark circles under his eyes. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had a full night's rest. Sighing, he picked up the shears to try to do something about his hair. A knock on the door stopped him. "Who is it?" he called.

"It is me, may I come in?" Thranduil called.

"Of course, father," Legolas said, returning his attention to the mirror.

Thranduil entered the room and closed the door behind him, juggling two goblets and a bottle of wine. "I thought we would have a drink together and talk," he said.

"All the servants are talking about me, are they not?" Legolas said miserably.

Thranduil took the shears and handed his son a goblet of wine instead. "Let me do this. The gossip will die down, my son. All will be well," he said.

"I wish I could believe that," Legolas said softly. He took a sip of the wine as his father started working on his hair. He didn't notice Thranduil hadn't touched the wine. When he had finished half of it he began to feel strange. He stood and staggered. He would have fallen if his father hadn't caught him. His vision blurred, but he managed to focus his gaze on his father. "W-what did you do?" he slurred. He went limp before his father could answer.

"I am sorry, my son, but I fear for your emotional health. This had to be done. I love you, my Greenleaf," Thranduil said. He laid Legolas on his bed and kissed his brow before leaving and going to his throne room. Four guards waited. "Has darkness fallen?" he asked.

"Aye, my king and all is ready," one said.

Thranduil handed the guard a sealed scroll. "Give this to Lady Gladriel when you reach the Golden Woods, she will understand. My son is ready. Go now and let no one see my son's identity," Thranduil ordered. The guard took the scroll and bowed then all four left the room. Lady Gladriel is wise, she will be able to help heal my son's shattered soul, he thought.

**Meanwhile**

Boromir stepped out of the tub and dried off with a thick towel then put on the robe that a servant had left him. Someone knocked on the door and Boromir opened it to reveal Syri also clad in a robe.

"Good evening," Syri said. "May I come in?" she asked.

"Of course," Boromir said. He stepped back so she could enter then closed the door and locked it. "What do I owe for the honor of your presence?"

Syri smirked. "I think you will like this debt," she said. She undid the robe and let it fall to the floor then stood nude before him. "I have made my choice, take me," she said huskily.

Boromir scooped her up and carried her to his bed; there were no need for words now.

The next morning they prepared to leave. Aragorn had explained everything. They understood Thranduil's anger. They would have to split up for each had personal business, but they would meet in Rivendell after their business was done. They left Mirkwood and went their separate ways. Aragorn looked back at Mirkwood. "Farewell, Legolas, my friend, I hope your soul heals," he said. He rode off towards Rivendell; sure he would never see his newfound friend again…

To Be Continued In Soul Of The Healer

Well, that's it. I hope you liked it. Thanks to all my reviewers that encouraged me on my journey…there will be a sequel, never fear…. Until then Stars Light Your Path!!! R/R!!!