Wandering

by Alilacia

Aragorn's skills are put to the test when he steps out of Rivendell for the first time. Shortly after he finds himself in Mirkwood. Will a man who grew up in Imladris be able to strike up a friendship with their woodland kin? No slash. Please R and R.

4. Bonds

Wandering

By: Alilacia

Rating: PG-13

Feedback:

Spoilers: None that I can think of.

Disclaimer:

I do not own the Lord of the Rings, or anything to do with the film or books. That honour goes to Peter Jackson (et all) and J.R.R Tolkien. I have no permission what so ever to use these characters, will not receive any money for this, and am doing this for my own enjoyment. And to get away from doing my college assignments

All the characters belong to J.R.R Tolkien, and only Olantien and Nebridë actually belong to me. But if anyone wishes to use them, all you need to do is ask.

Series:

Mortality

Lessons

Wandering

Summary:

Aragorn is now reaching his 21st year. Many skills he has learnt, and some of the patience of the elves has finally sunk into the young human.

His skills are put to the test when Aragorn steps out of Rivendell on his own for the first time. Much has he learnt about the rangers that saved his life, and Aragorn finds himself wishing to experience their life.

Aragorn's travels take him over Caradhras and heads south towards Lothlórien. On the way he meets the dwarves and is caught in a battle between the orcs and the dwarves.

Shortly after he finds himself in Mirkwood, home of the woodland elves. Will a man who grew up in Imladris be able to strike up a friendship with their woodland kin?

Mae govannen::grins:

This is the third instalment in the Lennath Series. According to the site I found on the internet 'Lennath' is apparently journey's in Sindarin. I apologise if it isn't, my elvish skills are not the best in the world.

So in English it is basically 'The Journey's Series'. I decided to call it The Journey's Series, because that is basically what all the stories are about: Legolas' and Aragorn's journey's though life, and the paths it takes them on.

This is the fourth and last chapter of Wandering. I hope you enjoy it, and if there is any mistakes in it I'd be very grateful if you'd let me know. :smiles:

Thanks again for the reviews that 'Lessons' received, they really did brighten my day

First I am going to make it clear that this is a NON-SLASH, so you won't be finding any relationship between Legolas and Aragorn that is any closer than brothers. I'm sorry if you don't like that, but I'm not going to make it any different.

I am aware that in the book Asfaloth was Glorfindel's horse and in the movie he was Arwen's, but at the moment Asfaloth belongs to Legolas, and eventually he will find his way to Glorfindel (or Arwen) but not yet…..

I have not read the Silmarillion, or any of the other history/information books published regarding the Lord of the Rings. So I apologise if there are any mistakes in these stories. Feel free to let me know if there are. I am learning new things each day, and I owe quite a few people major thanks for some of that information.

I'm going to answer the reviews I received at the bottom of the story.

This story isn't actually beta'd (in fact none of them have been so far) so there are probably quite a few mistakes in them.

Here is the next part, I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks so much for all those that informed we of the problems with the constant switching of the tenses in the last chapter. With any luck, the new modified document should now be up, and this latest chapter will not have any mistakes in it. However, if there are, please do not hesitate to let me know. :smiles: thanks so much.

This is being posted today because I won't be able to get at a computer tomorrow. Enjoy the early chapter :grins:

There is a preview for the next story, Learning Curve at the end of this chapter.

Namárië nin mellyn

Alilacia

Wandering

Chapter 4 - Bonds

Ai, are all mortal men this heavy? Legolas wondered with detached humour as he shifted the man to a more secure grip on his shoulder.

The sun was disappearing under the tops of the trees, and if Legolas did not arrive at the palace soon, then he would be walking under the cover of darkness.

And Mirkwood was not a safe place to be after nightfall.

The worry for the young human had been growing with each minute that passed. It was something that bothered Legolas slightly for he could not see why he should be so worried about a human he had only just met.

The blond head snapped towards the trees ahead of him as elvish whistling called through the air. A grin broke out on Legolas' face and he raised his fingers to his lips.

An answering whistle rang clearly through the air, and Legolas stopped. Waiting for the sound...

Moments later several armed elfs stepped out from behind the trees, and Olantien moved out in front of them.

A large smile was clear on the young elf's face, and Olantien stepped forward to greet Legolas. His hand came out to grasp Legolas' arm when he caught sight of the human that Legolas was carrying.

A frown slipped onto his face and he moved closer to the prince.

"What do you have there my lord?"

"A foolish Dunadan that got attacked by some orcs."

"That was who they were fighting earlier?"

Legolas nodded and looked around. "This one is badly wounded. I have done what I can, but I fear he will perish unless he sees a healer."

Nebridë nodded and stepped down from his own horse. "You can ride mine my lord. I will share with Olan." Olantien nodded in agreement, and Nebridë took the injured human out of Legolas' hands while he mounted the horse.

With a motion of his hands, Legolas took the young ranger back into his arms. Once he was sure that the human would not fall out of his grip he tensed his knees once, and with a quiet word for the horse to hurry, the group were on their way.

Olantien slowed his horses speed, and moved along side of Legolas.

"Legolas... I do not wish to question what you do but..." Olantien looked at the unconscious ranger held in Legolas' sure grip. "Why did you rescue the human?"

The Golden Prince sighed and increased his pace slightly. How could he answer when he didn't properly know the answer to that question himself.

Legolas was saved from answering by the sight of the palace gates in front of them. He urged the horse on faster and shouted "edro!" as he got close enough to the gates.

The other elves quickly followed him in, and found themselves surrounded by the guards.

Legolas stepped down from his horse, and ran into the palace. The healers room was not far from the entrance, and Legolas startled the healer as he ran into the room.

His eyes widened as they landed on the damaged human that Legolas was laying gently on the bed. At a look from Legolas, the healer snapped out of his shock and leant over the young human.

Oh valar, these wounds were bad.

Fever had set in, and perspiration dripped off the humans brow. The skin around the wounds had taken a reddish hue, and each bandage would need to be changed.

Legolas stepped back as the healer got to work. There was nothing that he could do now, he had done what he set out to do. And that was to get the ranger some help.

As Legolas moved to walk out of the room, he stopped as his father walked in through the door. Piercing eyes locked on the human lying on the bed, and Legolas dropped his head.

"Legolas."

The implications of what Thranduil wanted were packed in behind Legolas' name, and Legolas raised his head. With a tiny nod he followed his father out into the hallway.

Not a word was exchanged as father and son walked, and turned into the main hall.

"Tell me Legolas. What is an edan doing in my halls?"

Legolas flinched slightly at the tone of voice in his fathers words. His father had never been particularly fond of men, and so to see one lying injured on the bed would not have been a welcome surprise.

"He was injured by orcs father. I couldn't just leave him out there."

Legolas wasn't sure why he was defending his decision to bring the edan here, but he was. The sight of the human lying there, his own blood spreading out onto the ground, was locked into Legolas' memory. It was something he never wished to see again. There had been so much blood...

Thranduil sighed and ran his hand through his hair. Legolas was still young enough to care about all races, bar a few, and Thranduil supposed that he shouldn't really be surprised that Legolas had brought the human back here.

Although Thranduil knew that his son shared his distrust of men to a certain degree, Legolas still had so much compassion in him. And no matter who it was, if they were injured then Legolas would help them.

Well, Thranduil thought, if Legolas ever brought an injured dwarf here, it will not be just I that will say something.

If Legolas suddenly decided to become a healer one day rather than a warrior, the news would not have totally surprised the elven king. Then again... that day would only happen if Legolas parted with his bow. And Thranduil knew that would never happen.

"I only brought him back because I knew I could not help him myself." Legolas raised his eyes to look at his father. "My only care now is that I go and complete my original task. To see what has become of the spiders."

Thranduil shook his head and grabbed Legolas' arm as he passed.

"I know your intentions were honourable my son, and I do not fault you for that. Although I was not particularly pleased to find a human in this palace, I know it is not your nature to turn away those who need help. As you are the Prince of Mirkwood, your actions are this palaces actions. I do not claim to agree totally with your decision, but even I could see that the human needed aid. I know that your conscious would not have let you live with it if you would have left the human to die. Now my son," added Thranduil as he steered a shocked Legolas out of the hall, "I would like you to wait until tomorrow for you to resume your search for the spiders. If they leave, then they leave, but it is not safe to go out hunting them in the dark. Many elves have been lost that way in the past."

Legolas nodded, and allowed himself to be led down the corridor towards his room. "I would like to retire to my rooms if that is alright. I have had a long trip, and I desire rest." And time to gather my thoughts...

Thranduil nodded and released his grip on his sons arm. "Of course my son. But Legolas," the king added as Legolas opened the door to his room. "please take some of the soldiers with you."

Legolas smiled a small smile and nodded. Thranduil nodded back, and continued down the corridor.

Many weeks had passed, and the young human was well on his way to healing fully.

Aragorn had learnt many things in his time here, and the first was that the elves here were just as bad as Lord Elrond for wanting him to stay in bed.

Aragorn of course, did not adhere to this rule, and as soon as he felt he was able to walk he tried to leave the room.

That had been about a week ago.

Aragorn sighed as he saw the bright sun shining in through the window. He hated to be stuck indoors when the sun was shining so brightly outside. The healer, who Aragorn had found out was called Hénduil, had glared at Aragorn until he relented and stayed.

But... now that Hénduil was not here. Aragorn grinned and pushed himself into a sitting position. He had been in bed long enough, and longed to feel the air on his face.

He was about to push himself off the bed when the person he least wanted to see walked in through the door.

"You weren't thinking of leaving were you now edan?"

As pleasant as the words sounded, Aragorn picked up the underlying annoyance in the words. He shook his head and settled back down on the bed, waiting for the healer to tell him that he would have to stay in bed for another week.

"Good, because I think that you have been lying down for long enough. You have healed enough to go outside."

The look of shock followed by relief almost made the elf laugh, and he turned to the door to hide his smile. "There will be a feast later on. King Thranduil requests all people to attend, and that includes you human."

With those parting words the male elf walked out the door, leaving a shocked Aragorn behind.

Soon though, a grin broke out over his face. At long last he would be able to walk around without having to sneak around the corridor.

Aragorn treaded lightly down the corridor, and walked out into the open air. He took a deep breath and smiled. The air was just as fresh here, as it was at Imladris.

Imladris.

A pang of longing ran through him, and Aragorn suddenly wished that he was at home.

Although these woods were beautiful, his heart would always lie in his home.

Aragorn sighed and started to walk through Mirkwoods courtyards. After a few days, Aragorn had found out that the forest he was in was called Mirkwood. Greenwood the Great.

Aragorn had been taught about the woods before. About how the elves that lived here had been forced to fight each day of their lives against the darkness that threatened to over take the woods. Aragorn shuddered and walked into a secluded part of the courtyard. He suddenly had a new-found appreciation for the serenity of Imladris, and couldn't imagine what it must be like to have to fight to protect your home every day.

Aragorn found himself wishing that Elrond had told him where these woods were when he had been learning about them. If he had known then maybe he would have been more cautious when walking into the forest.

This line of thought brought Aragorn back to the elf that had rescued him. Aragorn still didn't know who the elf was, only that he owed him his life.

Vague memories of hands tending to his wounds were all that Aragorn had, and the image of the elf; blond hair and stunning blue eyes; was etched into his memory.

But this elf was hard to find, and Aragorn wanted to thank the elf personally for saving his life. But he also wanted to know why.

Elrond had told Aragorn from an early age that the Mirkwood elves were naturally distrusting of the human race. The losses that they had sustained during the Battle of the Last Great Alliance had cost the wood elves dearly, and had started the distrust that they now held for men.

For the wood elves had wanted no part in that battle.

But the fact remained that Aragorn had been saved by an elf, by a Mirkwood elf, and he wanted to know who he was.

Voices made Aragorn stop, and he turned to see two elves walking past where he was standing. Their sharp eyes picked him out immediately, and Aragorn heard the conversation immediately switch to him.

"Oh look. It's that edan that was brought here when he was stupid enough to fight the orcs alone."

"He looks harmless enough, but why Legolas saved him is beyond me."

Aragorn tuned out the words as the two elves walked out of hearing distance. Aside from obviously knowing nothing about him other than the fact that he was a human, they obviously thought that he didn't speak elvish.

This lack of knowledge may come in handy.

But their conversation had yielded something useful.

He had found out the name of the elf that rescued him.

Aragorn frowned as he tried to remember where he had heard that name before. He was sure that Lord Elrond had mentioned it when talking about Mirkwood, but the young human could not remember what they were talking about when Legolas was mentioned.

Aragorn sighed and walked in the direction the two elves had taken. If nothing else, looking for this Legolas would mean that he would get to see more of the palace than the healers room.

Legolas stepped back inside the palace with a heavy heart.

He had not been able to find any sign of the spiders, and this worried him. His search had recommenced from the spot where he found the young human, and he and the other elves he was with fanned out to search as much terrain as possible.

The spiders were not in the west.

Legolas knew that they could have gone back into the south already while the search moved up to the west, but this thought didn't ease him any.

Soft mutterings catch his attention, and the voice his ears caught out was not any of the elves in the palace.

Slightly alarmed, Legolas moved silently in the direction of the noise. And he was led to one of the fountains in the corner of the courtyard. Many trees do not just line the outside of the palace, but are inside as well.

The wood elves could not bring it to themselves to cut the trees down, instead they built around them.

And, while much of this palace is actually underground, what is above ground is littered with trees.

Legolas used this to his advantage, and knelt down behind one. While he knew that it was rude to eavesdrop on someone else's conversation, he could not help but stay.

Legolas' eyes widened as the hushed words of the human float down the wind towards him. The human talked of a destiny he cannot escape, and of a man called Arathorn.

Legolas realised as the weight of the humans words become apparent to him, that the human he saved is none other than Aragorn, son of Arathorn.

But... Legolas had been told that Aragorn had died in the orcs attack that had killed his parents. Or that was the word from Rivendell.

At the time, Mirkwood hadn't paid much attention to the message about the loss of Gilraen and Arathorn. The wood elves had never met the two humans, and so were not moved by news of their deaths. Or that of their son.

King Thranduil had sent a letter back to Imladris telling Lord Elrond such, and they had heard no messages since.

But this man...

Legolas had been much younger then, and had wanted to know what all the fuss was about. Deep in the sparse books that Thranduil kept were scattered references to the race of men. And Arathorn was among them.

A picture had been included in the tome, and Legolas found himself drawing the picture back up in his mind. Although this had been nigh on twenty years ago, the picture was still fresh in Legolas' mind, and looking at it and the man in front of him left Legolas little doubt that this was the heir of Isildur.

Legolas did not realise he was stepping backwards until his foot met the root of a tree, and he stumbled backwards slightly. He caught himself and held himself perfectly still, watching with baited breath as the human raised his head and looked into the fading light.

His hand slipped down to cover the hilt of his sword, and he called out for whoever was there to show themselves. Legolas hesitated for a moment, before he straightened and stepped out into the light.

Startled grey meet calm blue, and Legolas saw the hesitation written in the silver eyes. Slowly the hand dropped from the hilt, and fell back down to rest by his side.

"My apologies. I was only taking a walk. I shall leave you to your thoughts." Legolas avoided saying that he had been listening, and turned to walk out back to the palace.

Legolas was partway out of the trees, when he heard a voice calling out to him.

"Legolas?"

He turned back to the human with a questioning look in his eyes. He didn't remember telling this one his name, and he knew none of the other elves would have told him. "Legolas? is that your name?"

Legolas walked back into the light, and did not go any further.

"How do you know my name human?"

Aragorn saw the look in Legolas' eyes, and knew that if he said the wrong thing, he would be dead before he could apologise.

"I am sorry, but I overheard one of the elves talking earlier. They said that the stupid edan was saved by someone called Legolas." the human admitted with a rueful smile. "I could remember roughly what you looked like from when I was actually awake, and I would ask you if you would like to sit with me. Will you do me the honour of having your company?"

Now it was Legolas' turn to hesitate again. Listening to the human from a far was one thing, but actually sitting and talking with one...

Aragorn saw the hesitation that ran through the expressive blue eyes, and let his hand gently rest on the ground next to him. "I mean you no harm, I only wished to thank you for saving my life. I would have done it sooner but you were a hard elf to find." The human admitted with a small smile.

Legolas stared deeply into the mans eyes. There was no deceit there, only a genuine desire to talk with him. Legolas felt his guard lower a bit and he sat down next to the human.

"You understood what they said?" Legolas suddenly remembered that Aragorn had heard the other elves calling him a stupid edan. He had a good idea who had said it, and knew that they would not have spoken in the common tongue. "Do you speak elvish?"

"Elvish was the first language I was taught." the man replied in the grey tongue, a grin stretching onto his lips as he saw the shocked expression on Legolas' face.

"I was not aware..." Legolas replied softly in the grey tongue.

"Yes well, I was not all that lucid enough to tell you. Although, I am told that I am like that normally at home." he joked.

Legolas smiled and asked "where is your home?"

A faraway look settled into Aragorn's eyes, and his gaze turned to look at an unknown point outside of Mirkwoods borders. Legolas followed the rangers gaze and was shocked to see that his gaze lay west.

"Imladris," Legolas breathed, and turned to look at the human in shock.

"Aye. Imladris has been my home for as long as I can remember."

"It must be sad to loose your parents so young." Legolas muttered, looking at his hands. "I too know what it is like to loose a parent, for my mother sailed to the undying lands when I was just a child. Take some comfort in the fact that you were too young to remember Aragorn."

"How did you know my name?"

Now it was Aragorn's turn to ask that, and Legolas looked up to stare into shocked and slightly suspicious silver eyes.

Legolas smiled sheepishly and said "I apologise but I overheard your conversation earlier. I was not aware that the heir of Isildur was in Mirkwood. If I have offended you, I am truly sorry, t'was not my intention."

Aragorn felt his suspicions ebb away slightly at the sincere look of guilt in the elf's eyes. Legolas, it appeared, hadn't meant to walk upon him; and Aragorn should have known better than to talk about such things in the company of elves. He did live among them after all, and had learnt the hard way just how good their hearing is.

"But do not fear. I will not tell anyone of your secret. You are not the only one that carries them, and I know the importance of few knowing your true identity."

Aragorn was shocked and relieved that Legolas was not going to tell a soul, and curiously asked "just how much do you know about me anyway?"

This caused Legolas to start laughing, and Aragorn smiled. He would never get the elves sense of humour, but it set his heart at ease to see them happy. Especially Legolas it appeared, for Aragorn got the impression that Legolas didn't laugh all that much.

"I have known about you for many years, and have studied your race for just as long. You and your kin are mentioned in many of the books however discretely, and many scrolls are written about the rangers of Middle Earth. Plus, I got most from your conversation." he admitted with a smile.

Aragorn shook his head, and didn't stop his smile. He was not aware that he was mentioned in any books, and it was a little un-nerving that Legolas knew more about him than he did. It was actually possible that Legolas had met his parents.

"So tell me Aragorn. What were you doing this far south?"

Aragorn was thrown off balance for a minute at the swift change in conversation, but collected his thoughts enough to answer.

"I wanted to see the wilds."

"You said you were residing in Imladris. Surely Mirkwood is a long way to travel alone. Most rangers that I have seen travel in groups, and it is very rare that they come here. In fact, you are the first man I have seen walk into this forest in many years." said Legolas.

"I was originally heading for Lothlórien, but I was way-laid by a battle between the dwarves and the orcs on the Glädden Fields. I was knocked into the Änduin by a dying dwarf and carried downstream. When I awoke I headed into your fair woods, and was beset upon by some more orcs. I was already weary from my fall down the river, and was not at my best when I came to fight them. I thank you Legolas, for your assistance." Aragorn said, bowing his head.

Legolas shook his head, and told Aragorn to raise his head. "I was only in the right place at the right time Aragorn, and I have had more dealings with the orcs than you have."

"In all honesty, I would not wish to get the practice. The few experiences I have had with orcs have not been good."

"You say you wished to see all of Middle Earth?" Legolas saw the darkening of those silver eyes, and wondered just what had happened to Aragorn in his encounter with the orcs. The change in conversation brought the light back into his eyes, and Legolas was glad to see the shadows gone.

"Ever since I learned of the rangers, I had wanted to see what their life was like. This is my first trip out of Imladris, and I had no real destination in mind. It was only when I saw the beauty of Lórien from the vast peaks of Caradhras that I chose to journey there."

"Do you still wish to journey to the fair woods of Lothlórien?" asked Legolas.

"Nay... I will one day. But right now, I want to go home. I miss my family, and I miss Imladris. A poor ranger I may make if I am constantly heading back towards my home, but I would not have it any other way."

Legolas smiled at the loving tone in the humans voice when he spoke of Imladris, and the elves that lived there. Whoever his family were, he loved them very much. It was in that instant, that Legolas made up his mind.

"I hope you do not mind Aragorn, but I would like to journey with you if I may."

"I would not say no Legolas, but why would you want to leave your home?"

"Why did you?" asked Legolas with a grin.

Aragorn blushed, and looked down with a grin. "Touché."

Legolas' grin widened, and he turned to look out at the tips of the trees that could be seen over the palace walls. "I too long to see the world. Long have I walked these halls, and kept these woods safe. But even I feel the need to travel." What Legolas didn't tell Aragorn was that he was actually worried that the ranger would get into some sort of trouble on his way back home, and the elf wanted to be there to help if he did.

Earlier that day, just before he had set out to find the spiders, Legolas had approached his father with the request to leave Mirkwood for a while. Thranduil was naturally hesitant, saying that they needed Legolas here to help defend the woods, but Legolas argued that there were enough soldier here to take care of Mirkwood while he was gone.

In the end, Thranduil could not deny his son the right to leave, and with the promise that Legolas would only be about three weeks, he was allowed to go. The thought of travelling with anyone was only just considered now, and Legolas found himself anxious about what the human would say.

"Well then. I would be honoured to travel with you Legolas Greenleaf."

"Come my friend," Legolas smiled at the ranger as he stood, holding a hand out for the ranger to take. "we have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow, and it would not be fit for us to be weary."

Aragorn started as he looks around. They had been talking so long that day had turned to night, and the moon hung proudly in the sky. He took Legolas' hand, and allowed the elf to pull him to his feet. The feeling that he had made a good friend here today was clear in his heart, and he couldn't stop his smile from spreading over his face.

The seeds of their friendship had been sown. Now all that was left, was to watch it grow.

The End

Preview for the next story, 'Learning Curve'

The ranger tensed as something evil brushed against the very edges of his awareness. The trees back over the Great River seemed to be whispering darkly amongst themselves and Aragorn turned to Legolas to see if the elf had noticed anything.

Legolas' blue eyes were staring straight ahead, and if Legolas had sensed any danger, he was hiding it well.

The elf and the ranger had set out just as the sunlight reached the tops of the trees, and had made good time as they walked the Old Forest Road. Aragorn couldn't help the shudders that ran though him as he heard the soft brushing of feet in the trees above them. Legolas had muttered something about the spiders being back, and Aragorn decided that he really didn't want to know what his new-found friend was talking about.

Aragorn didn't notice when Legolas suddenly drew to halt and he slammed into the elf's back. Legolas turned to glance sharply at the ranger before turning his gaze to the wilderness around them.

Whatever had caught Aragorn's attention earlier had made itself known to the elf, and Aragorn felt his ire rise as the slender elven hands slowly drifted back to the bow.

It was decided, lest they take a trip to see the Goblins, that it would be best to head down over the Glädden Fields, and then to walk up the peaks of Caradhras. The memories of what had happened the last time that Aragorn had walked along these soils came back to him, and Aragorn couldn't stop the chill that ran up his spine as he glanced nervously around them. The chill had nothing to do with the cool air, and Aragorn tensed. Something was out there, and Aragorn sighed, his own hands falling slowly down towards his sword.

Aragorn jumped as Legolas suddenly frowned and notched an arrow. The speed at which Legolas had done this was quicker than Aragorn had ever seen before, and he found himself wondering just how talented the elf in front of him was.

All thought fled his mind as he saw what had made the prince draw. Swallowing deeply, Aragorn didn't dare move.

This was not good. This was not good at all.

Reviews:

Ellen the Trickster - Oh believe me, I have no intention of abandoning this one. I love it too much to stop writing now :grins:

Thanks for the review, and I hope that you liked this fourth and last chapter.

lurker - Thanks for the review, and pointing out to me the shifts in the tenses. It must have slipped past me when I checked this over before posting it. :makes a mental note to check the chapters much more thoroughly next time:

ThE iNsAnE oNe - awwww::hugs back::grins: I'm glad that you like this one. And I hope the next one will be just as good :mutters: as soon as I finish writing it.

:sighs: Thranduil struck me as such a treasure seeker in The Hobbit, so I never know how to write him. I prefer to draw on the opinion that Cassia and Siobhan have made, and portray Thranduil as a loving father who adores his son, but will not hesitate to do what is required of him as a king, even if it would mean it pits him against his family.

:winces: good luck with the homework :eyes piles of assignments: I really should be getting on with mine. I wonder if I can borrow Legolas once he's done protecting you?

:snickers: I've gotten used to seeing emails and reviews with: "MORE MORE MORE, PLEASE POST MORE SOON!" written on them. :chuckles: I still keep them waiting for two days though.

:blinks::raises eyebrow: 'Two Men and a Thorn Bush?' Interesting title, sounds like an interesting story. Well, I hope you post it. I'm sure it'll be good :grins:

'Inside the Beast' huh. Again, another cool title. Are both of these LOTR's stories, or are they from another genre?

Either way, I can't wait to read them.

:hugs notebook close to chest: and thanks so much for the autograph! Now when you become famous, I can sell this on ebay or something. Naaaaah, I wouldn't do that. I'm gonna keep this forever

Freakizimi - :nods: yup, Estel is going to have a huge aversion to the orcs by the time that the authors are though with him. I mean geez, look at Peter Jackson. He pitted him against 10,000 Uruk Hai. Not very good odds :sweatdrops:

:snickers: Rose scented soap and a loofer. He could also offer to send them to Rivendell with a free gift voucher to manicure their finger nails while he was on the topic of beauty products. :chuckles: And five seconds later see them run for the hills.

Hope you liked the last chapter. And the next one should hopefully be out soon. :grins: