Hullo again, everyone! Well, I just saw Two Towers last night, and now I'm LIGHT as air, on TOP of the world, READY for battle. COME what may, and MORE then thrilled to post post post to the end of my DAYS. Isn't that just sad? ;) No, seriously, my sister went and set it up so I could go to the Theatre and see TTT one last time before it left the theatre. It was my precious' birthday outing! ;)

Oh golly, the only problem was getting back and MIDnight last night. And man alive, I must have been TIRED guys, because on the way back home, I turned to my mom and said:

C: "Okay, if Aragorn's Arathorn's son, and Arathorn was king, then why does Theoden of all people get to rule until Aragorn's old enough?"

M: "But- Theoden is king over Rohan, right?"

C: "So?"

M: "So Aragorn's going to rule Gondor."

C: "Oh…then who's ruling GONDOR until Aragorn's old enough?!"

M: "Isn't there a steward?"

C: "Go'ya. Faramir's dad…I can't remember his name, though…Denathor! That's it…so why doesn't Eomer get to be steward?"

I felt SO dumb by the end of this, guys, but me and my sisters got a big laugh out of it anyway. ;)

At any rate, I have a few things I want to clear up for you guys before I respond to everyone individually.

1. Thranduil's dream. Okay, some of you are REAL confused by that, so let me just say now, you aren't SUPPOSED to know what that's all about yet. So don't feel bad that you haven't a clue what's going on with him.

2. Grimi is a DWARF. He's MY bodyguard, and he's NOT for sale or rent! ;)

3. Okay, I'll just tell you now; Thranduil is NOT completely and totally mental. He's given Aragorn the Bengwiil for a logical reason. (logical to him, at least) So no, I'm not having him make all these bad decisions just cause he's crazy.

4. Oh, Queen-of-Gondor asked this question, (very exhalent question, Queen ;) how long this story'll be. I decided to answer it here, so that you can all know without having to read Queen-of-Gondor's response. This story is all in all, 81 pages, 13 chapters. YUP not far to go…

NOW! Onto the responses…

Mae govonnen, Cake$! :) Glad you're enjoying the story! Ah, yes, the 'dying' thing. Thank you for informing me! It's come up once or twice so far, but I haven't had the chance to go back and fix it. But thank you for telling me!

No worries, Karri, you don't really NEED to know what's going on yet, anyway. ;) It'll come out eventually.

*removes both signs from Aragorn and Legolas' backs* hey, don't look at ME, Myfanwy! Cassia put those there, not I. ;) Oh and you can use the quote, if you want. It really wasn't MY idea, it was my dad's. He's really cool, especially when he talks about religion. And as to your questions…*gulp*…I can't answer ANY of them. :D SORRY!

Hey! Thanks, Julia! Glad you liked it. I'm afraid you're right, and I can't answer your questions. But the more chapters there are, the more you'll be able to understand it all. ;)

*puts Elrond plushie beside Gollum plushie* Hantach, gwyn! :) And as to Legolas' 'dawdling' he really DOES think Aragorn'll get better enough to ride with him to Rivendell later. I mean, the human was given Bengwiil before, and was bought some extra time by this. I think he's waiting out for that to happen again.

*grins at Nilad* Cheysuli, I think you need this mind more than Thranduil. That's very nice of you and all, but I doubt it'll do Thranduil any good at this juncture. ;)

*giggle* Yeah, Witchmaster, I think it's highly possible that Thrandul's lost just a few of his marbles alright. ;)

*grins* I know what you mean, Frinsarnien! Despite the every-other-day thing, it seems that it takes FOREVER to get from one chapter to the next. What was Thranduil gonna say?…*hums annoyingly and innocently at the same time* ;)

Heheh…DOWN Astal. Callie, will you call your elf off before my dwarf and him get into a FIGHT? ;) Now you KNOW I can't answer your questions. But ah well, you also know that they'll answer themselves eventually, so no worries. Nice English accent. :P

Hehe, no worries about writer's block, IC! This whole story's already written. I know what's gonna happen…I think. :P And good luck with the sequel! ;)

Hyper_shark? Maybe you should be '!!_shark' ;) The two exclamation-points-one. ;) Needless to say, I find that a very reassuring way to get across your thoughts on the story. Enthusiastic you most defiantly are!…or should I say hyper? ;)

*grins and shakes hands with Haldir* Haldir? Grimi. Grimi? Haldir. Hantach for introducing us, Ithildin! But I don't think I'll keep him. He looks like he doesn't want to stick around. What's wrong with you anyway? H: MUST GET TO HELMS DEEP! C: ah, well that is more important, isn't it? ;)

*wraps arm around trembling Halo* I have no IDEA what we're gonna do. Lina's mental, is all. She'll spit it out, eventually. And no problem with the reviews! (as I said on IM ;) I understand. Nice to see ya again, mellon nin! :D

*grins at SilvenLegolas* Orlando Bloom…Orlando…Bloom…Hm…sounds familiar, but- OH YEAH! He's the guy who played Todd in Black Hawk Down, right? Oh, and I heard he was gonna be in…uh…the Pirates of the Caribbean. That's who he is. Yeah, he's a good actor. :P

Hm…interesting theory, chrisalin. I can't answer as to how close to reality it is, but I will tell you it's not ENTIRELY off. ;) Used to the cliffies? Oh that IS sad. OH well. At least they shouldn't bug you as much anymore. ;)

Oh Shuana! I'm so glad you're not afraid to state what you think's going on. You're right, I can't answer you, but that's very interesting… ;) And don't let the Valar smite me. He's my editor, dontcha know. :P

Thranduil. Is he crazed? Morneag. Is he evil? Those ARE popular questions, e, and good ones at that. Though, there's always the possibility that I'm making everything so shady on purpose, just SO people'll make these kind of guesses. You NEVER know. ;)

As I've explained at the beginning, Queen-of-Gondor, this thing is 81 pages, 13 chapters. Almost over, in other words. ;)

Wow, krisnkriss, I'm so honored that you go through so much to read my story! I hope it's worth it. :)

Hey Kayleigh-talitha! Glad to see you again. :D As to your question, Legolas panicked and was desperate to get into the room when Aragorn was given Bengwiil. I doubt that he was any less panicked (though maybe just a bit less, since Aragorn wasn't screaming his name) but this time, he knew he'd only get dragged out of the room again (one elf against two isn't very fair) and so, instead of even TRYING to put up a fight, he went straight to speaking with his father. That was really all he could do. Plus, there wasn't AS much reason to be panicked, because Legolas assumed that Aragorn would just be temporarily well again, and they could go to Rivendell. Anyways, that's why I wrote it like that. And I didn't see much point in having Legolas pitch and uncharacteristic, and not-to-mention futile fit. ;)

Well, Lirenel, as always, I can't tell you if you're theory is right or wrong, but I can say this: no, you aren't making a fool of yourself. Though I can't specify what, there are aspects of your theory QUITE close to the real thing… ;)

*blinks and grins nervously at Golden Days* hehe…*gulp* I'm gonna die I'm gonna die I'm gonna die I'm gonna die I'm gonna die… GRIMI! …I'm gonna die I'm gonna die I'm gonna die…

Oh MY, szhismine! Well, I must say, that IS an interesting idea. Of course, you'd think that Aragorn would recognize Thranduil if he attacked him in his bed in the middle of the night. But never mind. You never know. As for Legolas getting hurt again, well, I- hurt in what way? Hurt like got stabbed kinda hurt? Or angst. Aragorn's gonna end up with most of the former, and Legolas'll likely get almost ALL the latter. But that's getting ahead of ourselves… ;)

Not a Thranduil-fan, eh Siti? ;) Oh well, perhaps he'll get better.

Oh my, Sarah! IKE! A word which is NOT in the English language, and hopefully never will be, but here means "oh great I don't know how to respond to your hilarious review AGAIN!" But I'll try. Reporter Mornaeg? *giggle* What a mental picture. ;) LOVE the neon signs. It's true, next we'll be having Bengwiil-reeking WALLPAPER and Legolas won't be able to go down their hallway. ;) Thofank yofou fofor thofe grofeat rofevofiew! ;) I LOVE this Ofenglofish stuff. Almost as good as Sindarin. :P

Exhalent observation Angel of the Elves! And perhaps you are right…but well, there just MAY be more to that than you realize…;)

WOAH, Kaeera! It's a wonder you even DO live. ;) I've got quite the schedule myself, but I don't think it's THAT bad. But I'm glad you get so much out your day! Where do I get such ideas? I don't. They just kinda jump me out of nowhere. ;)

Ooh, you've struck close to the mark on one point, Rosie, though I can't say which point. ;) Keep on thinking, guessing, and reading!

No, Eomer, with Lina around, you'll NEVER get there. Have you considered riding NORTH instead? Ah well. And as for your theory, Lina, I personally think that Aragorn woulda recognized Thranduil. Plus, like-as-not, Thanduil has BLUE eyes like his son, rather than the greens ones of Aragorn's attacker. Of course, I COULD be saying this to lead you off the trail. You never know. ;)

Well guys, sorry this is SO incredibly late. But at least it's here finally, right? ;)

And here we go!

Chapter 10

Danger, Declaration, Dream

"Legolas. Legolas!"

Legolas jerked slightly. "Hm?" He responded, rolling over, and finding Aragorn above him. "Aragorn!" He sat bolt upright, nearly smacking Aragorn in the jaw.

"No, Elrohir. Whom did you expect?" The human's eyes twinkled with merriment.

"Well." Legolas smiled. "I guess you are feeling better."

"Yes, and perhaps you are ill." Aragorn furrowed his eyebrows in concern. "Elves do not normally sleep in the daytime, Legolas, are you well?"

"Yes, I- well I had a little memory recollection again. It shook me up a bit, so I climbed into bed, and I must have fallen asleep."

"Did you have more memories of Rivendell?" Aragorn asked quietly. Legolas nodded. "Well, worry not. We shall be *going* to Rivendell soon. Perhaps my father can help you with *your* problem as well."

Legolas nodded again. "Yes, yes perhaps. Thank you Aragorn, I had not thought of that. I am eager for any help I can receive concerning those memories. Your father, I am sure, will be able to understand them almost as well as you."

"Indeed." Aragorn smiled. "Well, what are we waiting for?"

"Exhalant point!" Legolas leapt off the bed, and grabbed his bow and arrows. "Let us collect some provisions, and then be off!"

Aragorn turned to the door. "I shall grab my things and meet you in the stables."

"No!" Aragorn was startled by the sudden exclamation and stopped. "I am not letting you out of my sight until we are on our horses, and riding to Rivendell."

Aragorn only smiled again, and shrugged. "It matters not to me, Legolas. Whatever puts your mind at ease."

So the two of them went swiftly about the halls and rooms gathering this and that until they were finally packed. The companions were walking through the Great Hall towards the stables, when Legolas spotted Mornaeg. "Mornaeg, my friend!" He called, and the elf came to him swiftly. "Will you tell my father that we are leaving? I had informed Tirniel of it earlier, but he may have forgotten now."

"You- you are going?"

"Yes, indeed."

"Then let me go with you!"

Legolas looked with a puzzled eye at the elf. "Why, Mornaeg?"

"I- I have long desired to abide in the House of Elrond. Besides, what if Aragorn gets worse? Or you will be delayed in Rivendell? I would be your messenger."

Legolas shook his head. "No, Mornaeg. I am sorry, but this is a journey Aragorn and I must make alone. Do you understand this?"

Mornaeg nodded, but once again it was apparent the he did *not* in fact understand, nor did he accept it. But he moved away from Legolas, and went to deliver his message.

"A good fellow, though at times it is hard to believe he is older than I." Legolas shook his head, smiling distantly, and turned back to Aragorn. "Onto Rivendell."

The two companions climbed on their horses, Aragorn a little unsteadily, due to his still-bandaged arm and leg. The friends finally rode off into the afternoon sun, ready for the long journey ahead of them.

Unexpectedly, a loud *THHHONT!* came from above, and Aragorn's horse began to pitch. "Gwiil Horthor! Larhink!" Aragorn commanded, but was unable to hold onto the bucking horse with his arm bandaged.

//be still!//

This did not escape Legolas' notice, and the elf steadied his own horse, and then sprang down towards Horthor. Dodging the alarmed horse's pounding hooves, Legolas managed to grab onto the thrashing reins and hold the horse at bay. Aragorn was breathing hard, trying to steady himself. Legolas moved up beside him, still holding the reins in his right hand. "Are you all right?" He asked quietly.

"Are you as tired of saving my neck as I *think* you are?" Aragorn sighed, leaning back in his saddle, and looking down at Legolas.

The prince was smiling. "No. I'm paying you back for *everything* you did for me but a fortnight ago. It is my turn to save you, Aragorn. Do not be ashamed as I was when you helped me."

The human tried to nod, and stared at Horthor's dark mane, though he was really looking somewhere much farther away. Legolas left him a moment, and moved around behind the horse. It did not take him long to figure out what had frightened the beast so. Swiftly but gently, Legolas pulled a tiny barb from the horse's hindquarters and inspected it.

"It is a Salab Dart. An elven weapon." He told his friend, moving around the side of the horse again.

Aragorn's mind returned to the present again, and he looked down at the weapon. "Elven? Just who wouldn't want us to leave Mirkwood, pray tell?"

"I have no idea."

"Perhaps Mor-" Another *THHHONT!* sliced the air, but this time Legolas felt a sting in his shoulder, and he was forced to drop the reins and barb as a painful numbness spread all the way from his shoulder to his fingertips. Yet another barb cut through the open air, now burying itself in Horthor's neck.

The beast screamed and began to pitch again. Aragorn clung onto it's mane for dear life, but the horse had gone wild, and moved so fast. Legolas, holding his limp right arm against his chest with his left hand, moved around beside the horse again, and tried to shoulder him to a halt. But Horthor swung away from the elf, and shook his head furiously, trying to rid himself of the stinging barb in his neck.

This shake was just too much, and Aragorn's grip slipped. Holding on with his knees only, he tried to find a way to swing off the horse without further injuring his leg. Legolas made his way carefully to a place where he may be able to help his friend off the bucking animal.

*THHHONT!* Legolas felt his right leg give out beneath him and a sharp pain shot from his knee to his ankle. Rolling away from Horthor, he tried to push himself to his hands and knees.

Aragorn was still trying to calm the horse by words, keeping up a constant series of "Gwiil! Larhink!"

//peace! Be still!//

When Legolas fell beside the horse, and beyond Aragorn's vision, the human panicked, knowing how fatal it may be if Legolas was caught amongst Horthor's pounding hooves.

This moment of panic was at the completely wrong time, and with a sudden jolt from Horthor, Aragorn felt himself slip, and half fall, half slide off of the great horse's back. His shoulders hit the ground first, and soon afterwards, his head smacked the hard earth. Everything around him grew blurry.

"Aragorn look out!" Legolas' warning was not too helpful to a man who couldn't see straight, and even the elf knew that. Aragorn had been thrown more-or-less over the Horthor's thrashing head, and the human was now lying helpless on the ground before the stamping horse's hooves.

Legolas couldn't feel his right leg or arm anymore, so he simply pushed himself up on his left hand and knee, and crawled as best he could towards the stomping beast. Not quite knowing what to do, but understanding the urgency of the situation, Legolas pulled himself to Horthor's side, and without thinking, rolled beneath the great beast. Horthor reared to avoid the elf, frightened by creature suddenly right beneath him. The hooves landed on either side of Legolas, and the prince's eyes widened at the narrow escape from a fatal blow.

"Gwiil, Horthor! Ea na gwiil, idrer."

//peace, Horthor! Be at peace, dear one.//

The horse continued to toss his head from side to side, but Aragorn's words calmed him enough to keep his feet on the ground. Legolas pulled himself out from underneath the horse, and managed to kneel on his good knee before the animal.

"There you go, Aragorn, keep going."

"Gwiil, idrer. Ea na gwiil, maech. Meach, ea na gwiil."

//peace, dear one. Be at peace, you are well. You are well, be at peace.//

Aragorn's soft voice continued, and Horthor managed to stand still for a few moments. Those moments were enough.

Legolas wrapped his left arm around the horse's neck, and with all his strength, hoisted himself off his knees, around the horse's neck, and onto his dark back. Before Horthor could react, Legolas pulled the tiny barb from his neck, and threw it on the ground.

"Maech, Horthor. Ea na gwiil, maech." He intoned with Aragorn until the horse was calm, and finally stood still.

Legolas sighed, and laid his head against Horthor's neck. "Mae pant, sadroner." He told the horse. "Mae pant." //well done, faithful one. Well done.//

Aragorn picked himself the rest of the way off the ground, breathing heavily. "That was close."

"Indeed." Legolas sighed, closing his eyes, and lifting his face to the sky. "But it is well now. It is-" His eyes snapped open. "Aragorn, climb on Lint. We must get indoors, lest we find this intruder is still with us, and after our lives."

Aragorn nodded, and limped to Legolas' horse, climbing up swiftly, and steering him one-handed towards the Halls of Thranduil again. Legolas did the same, also one-handed, and the two made their way back inside.

Once in the stables again, Aragorn turned to Legolas. "What exactly happened back there?"

"It appears that someone, some *elf* as a matter of fact, was in one of those trees along the road. Apparently this someone doesn't want us leaving Mirkwood."

Aragorn nodded. "I've a pretty safe guess who as well." Legolas raised his eyebrows in question. "Mornaeg."

"Mornaeg, why?"

"Well, he was eager enough to not get left behind, and clearly not happy when it appeared he would be. Besides, I tried to suggest it earlier, and that was when the second volley of darts came. I think he is our only lead at this point."

Legolas listened to Aragorn's theory, and finally nodded. "Well, I will talk to him. See what I may be able to figure out. I believe he is the kind of elf who would admit to this, if only because he still wishes to join us."

Aragorn shrugged. "Just don't scare him, I wouldn't want to lose him before we can find out if it was him."

"Yes, I know."

"We *could* find out for sure who it was, if we go out and look, you know."

Legolas stared out at the thick group of trees by the road, and shook his head. "I wouldn't want to go against someone who had the advantage of being hidden from our eyes by the trees, and who has paralyzing darts as well. Besides, if he was an elf, I'm sure he is long gone."

Aragorn sighed agreement. "I suppose our best chance is to ask Mornaeg then. Though- though if it *is* him, it is possible that he was the one who attacked me."

"I…yes, I suppose that is a possibility, but not very likely. I mean- would you not recognize him, seeing him so soon after that night?"

"I didn't exactly get a good look at him. It could be anyone in these halls I've seen millions of times, and I would not know it. I am afraid we have to depend on evidence."

Legolas nodded again, but this time his head sank somewhat. "Legolas?" Aragorn climbed down, with a little difficulty, from Lint, letting the horse into its stable, and coming to stand beside Horthor. "Legolas, what is wrong?"

"The-these barbs." Legolas groaned, leaning further forward, trying to support his slowly numbing body with his left arm.

"I cannot reach you up there." Aragorn told him, wrapping and arm around the elf's waist. "Come, I'll help you down."

Legolas would have nodded, but the muscles in his neck seemed to have gone numb as well, and he only murmured something like "Hurwhy" that was meant to be all right.

Aragorn managed to support Legolas slowly to the ground. Fortunately, Legolas' one good arm and leg made up for Aragorn's bad ones, and they eventually had him sitting on the ground beside Horthor's stable. Aragorn murmured something to the horse, and he turned and trotted obediently into his stable.

Aragorn fiddled one-handed with the blood-stained shoulder of his companion. Finally, he felt the tiny dart, more than half-buried in the elf's shoulder. Gripping it tightly between his thumb and forefinger, he jerked it out of Legolas' flesh, and examined it carefully.

"The- honly nice thing 'bout numbing pois'n." Legolas mumbled, unable to help slurring due to his numb tongue. "Yo' can't feel an'thing."

Aragorn smiled, and put the dart aside, moving towards Legolas' leg instead. Digging around the torn knee in the elf's leggings, he found the second dart, and extracted it as well. "Feeling should come back soon enough." He promised his friend, smiling again.

"W'll, that *will* be fun." Legolas groaned, letting his head rest against the stable wall. He was silent a few minutes, while his tongue gradually loosened up, and he finally decided to talk again. When he did, he found his voice fine. "You should go rest."

Aragorn looked up from the dart he was still inspecting. "I am fine, Legolas."

"I know that, but perhaps we should not push you if we don't have to. Just go and lie down awhile."

"I think-"

"Don't think I *haven't* seen you rubbing your temples over and over." Legolas cut in, gesturing with his good hand to Aragorn's head. "You fell off a rampaging horse, Aragorn. You should rest in case you have a concussion again. Remember, when you fell down the stairs you became much worse. I do not wish to risk you trying to make a long journey with me, and not-"

"All right, mellon nin! Ea benifred. I shall rest."

//my friend! Be without fear.//

Aragorn gave Legolas' knee a playful push, and Legolas grinned back, satisfied.

"You go rest, and when I've all my feeling back, I shall go speak with Mornaeg."

Aragorn nodded. "See you in awhile then."

Legolas returned the affirmation, and lay his head back again. "See you in awhile."

"I am not letting you out of my sight until we are on our horses, and riding to Rivendell."

**********

Legolas, testing his leg still, walked to the Great Hall, and soon found Mornaeg amongst the many elves standing or sitting there. "Mornaeg?"

The elf stood from his seat, and at seeing Legolas, grew much brighter. "Your highness! You are back so soon?"

"I must speak with you, my friend."

Mornaeg nodded. "Of course, of course. Here, let use go elsewhere."

The two went swiftly into the corridor beyond the Great Hall's doors. Once there, Mornaeg turned expectantly. "What is it? And please, why *are* you back already?"

Legolas sighed. "We were attacked after scarcely making it down the road. Someone in the trees shot Salab Darts at us, and we barely got out of there with our lives, not to mention limbs."

Mornaeg's eyes were uncommonly wide as he listened. "You mean to tell me that an *elf* tried to shoot you and Aragorn?"

"Yes, Mornaeg. And I also-" Legolas stopped. Now, standing before Mornaeg's so sincerely bewildered face, and thinking of the two reasons that Aragorn and he suspected this elf, Legolas began to wonder if his mind had been numb as well, when he'd agreed to question Mornaeg. But they had no other leads, and he could only hope that Mornaeg would not be too hurt if he was wrong.

"I also have reason to believe that- that it was you, Mornaeg." Legolas felt stupid through every word, but tried to sound unconvinced, trying to assure the elf before him that it was a speculation, and a speculation *only*.

Mornaeg stared at Legolas blankly a long moment. "Your highness, I-"

Legolas caught something in his eyes that he could scarcely believe, but easily interpret. "Do not lie to me, Mornaeg. Please." He knew though, whether the elf admitted to it or not, Legolas knew the truth.

"Yes, highness. It was I."

Legolas nodded with a disappointed sigh. "Why?"

"I- I had not meant to nearly kill you two, but I- thought if I delayed you long enough, you would allow me to join you."

"Mornaeg, I still do not understand why you *wish* to go so much."

"I want to help you. Both of you. I wanted to make up for everything. For bringing up Bengwiil before everyone, and therefore putting you through such pain. For- for spilling the water on the staircase."

"You did that? On purpose?!"

"Well, again I had not meant for him to fall so hard, to be hurt so badly. Why do you think I was so close at hand afterwards?"

Now, Legolas really *couldn't* believe his ears. "You nearly killed him!"

"I did not mean-"

"Tell me, did you attack him? Are *you* the one who tried to kill him in his room? The one who started this *whole* ordeal? Are you Mornaeg? Are you a murderer?!"

"No, your highness, please! It was not I, I can *prove* it was not I!"

"All right then, prove it! And it had better be believable, Mornaeg, for I am quite close to talking to my father about you!"

"No please! I can prove it. When you awoke to Aragorn calling for help, I was in your room writing you an apology letter. Then, you ran upstairs, I behind you, and even Aragorn reported this intruder had retreated out the window! I swear to you, prince Legolas, I did *not* attack your friend! I never meant to hurt him in the least. I didn't!"

Legolas was silent, his jaw locked, his eyes set. He was not about to believe so easily, but the evidence pointed to it quite clearly. Besides, he realized once his anger had subsided somewhat, the attacker would be long gone by now.

"I believe you, Mornaeg." He said finally in a softly tired voice. "I am very sorry. I- I just cannot stand that someone has gotten away with causing so much pain to someone so innocent. Aragorn did nothing to deserve the agony he's been through."

"Iston." Mornaeg agreed in a voice almost as tired. "Iston umir."

//I know he did not.//

Legolas sighed again, and let a kind hand fall on the shaken elf's shoulder, and looked deep into his still-frightened eyes. "Aragorn and I go alone, all right? Worry not about making anything up to us. Indeed, it would be more helpful if you did not."

At this, Mornaeg almost smiled, and nodded.

Legolas smiled back, as though to a small child, though Mornaeg's years surpassed his by much. "I must go and think awhile. Rest and refresh my mind. Go and tell Aragorn I shall be awhile, will you? Unless he be asleep, in which case, do not disturb him."

"Yes, your highness. This I can do without hurting anyone, I trust."

Legolas turned, and walked towards one of the stone balconies to get some fresh air. Mornaeg also turned, and walked to the stairs to find Aragorn.

*********

Fire and smoke blew all around him. He didn't know where he was going. He was following someone, but could see no one. Finally he approached a long, stone outcropping. Walking slowly, he squinted in the hot air and smoke to see what he was walking towards.

Finally, a small, shadow of a figure appeared before him. This figure was strangely familiar, and its eyes pierced his own like the flames around them.

For awhile, the only sound was the loud *BOOM!* of the earth beneath them, and the occasional whistle of the wind outside. Then, a voice came from the figure. "Cast it into the fire!" The sound echoed off the walls, off the ground, off the ceiling. It seemed to be batted back and forth among the playful flames, and was as blurred as the smoke hanging in the air.

He didn't know what the stranger meant. Do what? What was he asking? Whatever it was, the stranger was so desperate, of course he would do it! A powerful darkness was set heavily on his mind, heart and soul. He felt loaded down, and yet liked it. It was a good feeling. Though unbearably frightening, amazingly refreshing. He had nothing to worry about. The world was here. Right between his fingers. Right, between, his fingers…

He looked down into his hand, and lifted the object there before his face. It shone like the sun, and sent a breeze of its own wafting into his face. Cast *this* into the fire? Was that it? But why?

He stared blankly at it a long moment, and then nodded. Of course. Only a lump of gold, and he knew what it could do. It *was* evil, he could feel it rushing through him as he stared at it. It *should* be destroyed.

He felt his feet moving rather swiftly towards the stranger. But then, "Haaaaaraaaaagooorrrn…" His feet became like lead. But no. How could he destroy it? It called him. It came to him. It spoke to him. It was his. It was his own. His own. All his own…

"Destroy it!" The echo bounced off everything again, but was no longer blurry. The instructions were clear. And they were right. But…

"Haaaaaaaaraagooooooorrrnnn!" He felt his hand close tightly over the object. It was his. His own. His jewel. His right. His hope. His life. His love. His precious prize.

"No." His voice sounded dead even in his own ears. He turned. And he began to walk away.

The voice that rent the air was pleading. Desperate. And heartrending. "Estel!"

"Father!" Aragorn looked around him. Not again. The dream had returned to haunt him once again. It *was* only a dream, but no. It was real. Or had been, years and years ago. And though this was not the first time he'd dreamt this, he couldn't help asking his unanswered question. Over and over he had asked himself. Why? Why had he been standing in Isildur's place? What had brought it about?

Aragorn pushed himself shakily to a sitting position. His breath leapt into his lungs, and his heart skipped a beat as cold metal pressed just under his chin.

"Hello again," A sneering voice came from just over his shoulder. "Did you miss me?"

*gulp*

:)