Legolas knew that they had to leave soon, but Ohtar still wasn't feeling well and he didn't want to press him. After all, pushing himself too hard was what got him sick in the first place. But the alternative was to stay in Rivendell until the army arrived, and then pray that their army could fight them off.

But Legolas knew better. His feeling deep down was that no matter what, this army would keep on. This went far beyond a few Ums and some Trolls… this was an evil demon, prowling around Middle-Earth looking for the Evenstar, so that he may destroy her. Or worse.

It had been a day and Ohtar hadn't seemed to improve, but he and Anywien reported that they saw the army, and that they would be in Rivendell soon. More recently, guards had reported to Lord Elrond of seeing the army, and that they would arrive somewhere between 3-4 ½ hours. Whatever they did, they needed to hurry.

Legolas sighed and stood. They had to leave. And they had to leave now. He started walking to Ohtar's room and passed Arwen and Elladan on the way. "Prepare to leave," he told her, gently touching her arm to get her attention. "We are leaving as soon as Ohtar is ready."

"He isn't feeling well," Arwen replied. "Are you sure…"

"We must leave. I'm sorry." Then he continued on his way. Legolas hadn't spoken with Ohtar since the day before, when Ohtar had lectured him about being a bad father. To be honest, Legolas was glad that his son was in a bed, because this way he did not have to fear seeing him in a hallway or meeting with him at dinner. He didn't want to see Ohtar since that incident, maybe because he was ashamed. He himself wasn't sure of exactly why it was, however, he just didn't feel comfortable.

When he reached the room he knocked gently on the doorframe and walked through. The door had been open. Inside, Ohtar was sitting up drinking water like he was supposed to.

"How are you feeling?" Legolas asked.

Ohtar shook his head and set the glass on the stand near the bed. "Not well."

"I'm sorry to hear that, but we must leave."

"Leave?"

Legolas nodded. "The army is near. We have no choice but to continue on. Now."

Ohtar blinked. Was he hearing correctly? He had been sure that they would stay until he was well again… especially since he got mad at Legolas, he thought his father would more easily bow to his will. That was not how things were steering.

"But I can't… I'm not rested. I'm not prepared to face the heat of outside, I don't have enough fluids inside of me. To travel at such a vigorous pace – with so few breaks – it is suicide."

Legolas did not know how to respond. He wanted so badly to agree with his son for once, but he couldn't. They needed to leave, and that was that. "I'm sorry. Get up, and get ready. I'll see you at the stables as soon as possible." Then he turned and left.

Ohtar glared after him, angry. He hated not having his way, especially now that he wasn't feeling well.

~*~

Arwen hugged Elrohir tightly. "I hope I can see you again, but I seriously doubt that I will be able to," she said. "I'm old, and you would be surprised at how much damage twenty years does on a mortal. I'm not strong enough to make the journey again."

"You have never failed to surprise me," he answered. "Maybe you will surprise yourself as well."

Arwen smiled and went to hug Elladan. "I hope I surprise us all."

Elladan patted her back as they hugged. "If we shall never see each other again, goodbye. I love you."

"And I, you." She then passed to Elrond, who was smiling sadly.

"Take care of yourself," he instructed. "Mortal bodies need much care."

Arwen nodded. "I will, adar. I will." (adar = father)

He kissed the back of her head and continued to embrace her, then they finally parted. Legolas had just finished shaking Elladan's hand and exchanging goodbyes with him and then he stepped up to Lord Elrond. "Thank you for your hospitality," he said. "We appreciate everything that you've done for us. This has been hard."

"Should you succeed, be sure to sent me a message," Elrond said. "I would certainly like to know if my daughter is living or dead. Take care of her, Legolas. Never risk anything that you can't afford to lose."

Legolas nodded. "Yes, I know. And if you hear from Galadriel, I should greatly like this mystery solved."


Now it was Elrond's turn to nod. "Yes, I'll let you know of anything I hear."

Aragorn was last to go through the "line," who had just finished with Elladan himself and then came to Elrond. He knew well that Elrond disliked mortals, and though his sons both gladly exchanged hugs with their brother-in-law, he wasn't sure if Elrond would be as willing to hug his son-in-law. He looked at Elrond for a moment, then the Lord of Rivendell smiled and initiated the handshake. It wasn't family-like, but it was a step up from his "Men are weak" theory.

Aragorn smiled and shook his hand. "I wish you the best of luck in all you do," he said.

"Yes, I pray the same for you. And you also need to take good care of my daughter."

Aragorn nodded. "I will."

Then the company of 10 each got on their 10 horses (Elrond was giving them another to replace Arwen's) and with a few last words, they rode away.