A/n: The Council is in this chapter, and it will be movieverse.
Disclaimer: I own nothing (though I did buy my own copy of Return of the King tonight, before I could only borrow my dad's copy and it was getting to be very old and falling apart)
To reviewers:
Gwyn: Hasn't been that long! And anyway, I had a lot of things I had to do. Unfortunately, although on break, I still have a lot of school work. I've done my best, though, please don't persecute me for it. Anyway, at least the story's good, eh?
Soul Searcher Arbariel: Thanks. . .gee, hopefully you don't think Boromir is hot, this chapter is none too nice to him. Thanks! And what is moofa?
Lou: Thanks. Hopefully this one can stand on its own, so "Cold Steel" is not needed to understand it. But supposedly it's a good story. . .
Fairy Lady: Legolas has grown and matured, he is nowhere near as vulnerable as he was in the last one. Happy or not, he will be stable for at least the first two or three chapters.
Starfleet Hobbit: Thanks.
Padfoots Girl: Okay and thanks!
Ola: There wasn't a button on the right side of the screen because the author had not yet written a new chapter! But now she has!
Wicked Misty: Stupid slow computer! Bad machine. . .I am also anxious to see what will happen in future chapters, heh heh. Thanks!
Autumn: Good, it sticks to facts. Just for meticulous fact-checkers such as yourself I shall try to keep it perfect in continuity. Thanks!
Miss No Name: So, you probably want me to take down this story, huh? Just kidding!
Jessie Weasly: You aren't the only one! But then, if that were so, how could Celeborn say that he had not been to Lothlorien in "eight and thirty years"? k, thanks for reviewing!
Finnov: All in good time. . .
Koorinoen: Well, they aren't "cute" for much longer, but I'll try to write a few more "cute" moments between them.
Java Galxy: Don't worry, Legolas will stay happy-ish at the very least until Caradhras (sp?).
Kaimelian: I have no idea how to lark. Prancing I can manage, but larking is completely beyond me. You do not need coffee, you need ritalin. Just kidding! How many chances do you think he gets to wash his hair? Being a Ranger, I mean. Legolas really is happy, though. The last story was centuries ago. Have you begun caffeine withdrawal yet, by the way?
Lady Daine: Yes, the hobbits will respect him despite. . .if they respected him to begin with! Thanks, but a warning: it's not a humor story, the next chapters will not be so comical.
Karate Elf: Thanks and okay, I'll write more!
And to the rest of you who reviewed "Cold Steel":
Fenris: Woah. . .by the Valar, thank you so much for saying everything you said, it really means a lot that you said that. I'm sure your writing is very good, though. I totally agree that it is not sick and twisted for some of us it is a way to get your feelings out to the world, to show that no matter what is on the outside it is different within. Everyone I have told was surprised to learn I was cutting. Also some stories can tell people that it's all right, things are not as bad as they look, and people do care, and these sorts of things are not worth doing! Anyway, sorry to babble. Thank you again!
Lady Macbeth: The reason Legolas's brother's part was unfulfilled was that the story was mostly from Elrohir's perspective, without lapsing from third person. Naithon will be mentioned in this story, a bit. My friend had wanted to see Trainspotting but his mother would not let him so he came over and watched it with my sister and I so I had just seen it when I wrote that chapter.
Susan: Thanks, and here is the sequel!
Linz: Thank you very, very much!!
Sleep Miluv: Thanks! Because of the number of people wanting a sequel, well, I wrote one.
Dream Catcher: Yes, well, the world doesn't revolve around you. Just kidding! Anyway, sequel was in popular demand. Thanks for reviewing! And happy rest-of-winter-break!
Zurizip: First, for OOCs, that story was about how people change. When I wrote, it was partially for others, but also partially for myself, because I have to believe that people can change. Legolas is pretty much perfect, he is witty, smart, and loyal. Honourable. So I made him a weak, a child, to show how he changed. I know it was OOC, but that was on purpose. As you saw, at the end he was good ol' Greenleaf! Hehe. . .everyone likes Arwen in my stories, because she is always a cute little child. Take that, Arwen bashers! I meant asshole, and it is pronounced "pen-day-ho", if that helps at all. What do you mean, unorthodox? And as for the cursing, it was a bit crude, but used for emphasis. You're right, though. Hey! Stop attacking my characters!! Just kidding. Legolas: no, no she wasn't kidding! Me: Sissy. Thanks for all your reviews!
Golden Rose: Why not just delete "Cold Steel" for the sequel, if it's there? Or just ignore this sequel. . .
Src: To your question, yes and no. Yes, in outcome, but for different reasons. I'm glad you are enjoying it, hopefully learning from it.
Finnov: Good idea, as you can see an idea I have decided to use! Thanks!
Blank: Yes, I was planning a sequel.
Angel of the Elves: Yes, it is a line from a song. You aren't the only who likes that line. . .heh heh. Thanks thanks thanks!
Gryf Gal: Thanks, and as for the cutting, don't. Seriously. It is not worth it, and you are better than that.
Soul Searcher Arbariel: Yeah, I am also big on friendship. It's important. And I wanted something cute between the two. . .worked well. **meekly** okay. . .maybe I'm an okay writer. . . Thanks! I'm glad to have been of help with yours. Geez. . .thanks. . .you made me cry. That's not common. At least it excuses typos, eh? Long reviews are good, anyway!
*****
"You could not have been trying your best," Aragorn said, trudging into Imladris next Legolas, his bow over one shoulder.
"Or maybe you just improved," Legolas retorted, posture identical, steadying his bow with one hand.
"Come on, Legolas, I'm not a child anymore. You don't have to go easy on me in archery contests."
"I'm telling you, you won on your own," Legolas insisted. Suddenly he spotted something and stopped.
"What is it? What do you see?" Aragorn asked, noticing his friend had stopped.
"Your brothers are here," Legolas announced, and the two took off running.
"Elladan!"
"Elrohir!"
The twins were caught off guard as Legolas and Aragorn hugged them. Elladan was so startled that he fell over, and shoved Aragorn off him quite hard. "How much do you weigh? By the Valar," Elladan muttered, brushing himself off.
Elrohir, having fared better, returned Legolas's hug. "It is good to see you again! How many years has it been?"
"Quite a few," Legolas said with a nod. "How have you been?"
"I've been just fine, thank you, and you. . ." Elrohir glanced at Aragorn, then he lightly held Legolas's arm and asked, "are you well?"
"I am, thank you," Legolas returned.
"What is it?" Aragorn asked. "Why--"
"Never mind," Elladan said. "How have you been? Ada said something about a journey with Hobbits!"
"Oh, indeed," Aragorn answered, Elrohir and Legolas's strange exchange momentarily forgotten. "I met up with them in Bree, and assisted them in reaching Rivendell. They carried with them Sauron's ruling Ring."
"Never! The One?"
"The one and only. Now it has come to Rivendell, but I do not believe that this shall be all that this Ring shall cause. Elrond has called a Council tomorrow."
*****
Legolas felt awkward sitting in the stone chair, listening to Elrond speak. What was he doing here? This was above his head. This Ring, it was out of his reach to even understand its power and he knew it.
"Bring forth the Ring, Frodo."
It was a small thing, a band of gold, small as any normal ring, yet it was different. Legolas felt as if evil flowed off the ring, washing over him. It felt the same as. . .as what? He was not sure, but he had felt that way before. Part of him tugged, almost desiring the ring, but other things blotted that out--there was fear and confusion, and repulsion.
"In a dream, I saw the Eastern sky grow dark," said a Man of Gondor, standing. "But in the West still a light shown." Who was this man? He had been named, but Legolas had forgotten him. Now he preached, is if the Ring's evil had touched him already. "The weapon of the Enemy is a gift, a gift to the foes of Mordor!" What? This was shocking. No one could wield the Ring of Power, to even suggest such a thing was folly. Legolas wanted to jump up and tell him so, but he knew that would be wrong. Someone had to say something, though!
"You cannot wield it. No none of us can. The Ring answers to Sauron alone, it has no other master." Quite right, Aragorn! Legolas thought. He had not suspected Aragorn would be affected by the Ring, and proof of that was reassuring.
"And what," sneered the man from earlier, "would a Ranger know of this matter?"
Aragorn took this well, shrugging it off. Legolas would not bear it. He jumped to his feet. "This is no mere Ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance." The man from earlier looked on in disbelief.
"Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?" he asked disdainfully, gazing at Aragorn with equal contempt.
"And heir to the throne of Gondor," Legolas reminded him, sure he came from there. Aragorn looked uncomfortable with such importance.
"Havo dad, Legolas," he said, not wanting to say in the common tongue how little he wanted that title. Legolas did, but his eyes showed that he had not in the least relented. He glanced at Aragorn, the only of the three involved in the exchange that did not feel or look angry. Elrond shot him a look, as if to second the motion of asking Legolas to sit. Tension was building.
"Aragorn is right, we cannot use it," Mithrander said. No one would oppose him, if out of fear or out of respect for the old wizard. "It must be destroyed." Something held him back. . .with a start Legolas realized that even Mithrander was afraid of the Ring.
"The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom, only there can it be unmade. It must be cast back into the fires of the volcano, deep in Mordor. One of you must do this." Elrond looked around, as if asking who would take this quest.
"Why?" The man from Gondor asked. "Give the Ring to Gondor! Long has my father, the steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay!" Legolas resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Not this again! "Lend Gondor the weapon of Mordor. Let us use it against them!"
This was just too much for Legolas. It was more than stupidity. It was disrespect to Aragorn, to Elrond, and to Gandalf. He jumped up again. "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!"
"And I think you suppose you're the one to do it?" Challenged a dwarf, jumping to his feet. "I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!"
Legolas was offended by that one. 'Then you shall die,' he nearly said, although he had no intention of taking the Ring. He would be content never to see the thing again! But he would see the Ring to Mordor, for Elrond was correct: it had to be destroyed. However, as many Elves beside him sprang to their feet, Legolas held out his hands to restrain them.
Before anyone knew what was happening, the dwarves were on their feet as well. Everyone was yelling. Legolas felt a line of sweat on his forehead. He hated yelling, noise drove him mad. He tried to just shut it out, when suddenly everyone was quiet.
"I will take the Ring to Mordor! Although. . .I do not know the way."
"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear," Mithrander offered.
"If by my life or death I can protect you, I will. You have my sword." Good for you, Aragorn! But he was still just a child. . .
"And you have my bow," Legolas said before he knew he had spoken. Watch out for Aragorn, and also to see that thing destroyed, he told himself.
"And my axe," but by the way the dwarf glared, Legolas knew he joined only because Legolas himself had, and the Dwarf would not be outdone by an Elf. So be it.
"You carry the fate of us all, Little One." No, no, not him! By the Valar, anyone but him! "If this is indeed the will of the Council, Gondor will se it done." But Aragorn is coming! He can represent Gondor! Legolas kept his mouth shut. Aragorn, he knew, would rather represent the men of the North.
"Oi!" A shout from behind startled Legolas, though his Elven ears had perceived someone in the bushes before the Council began. At this a chubby hobbit ran up, taking a stand beside Frodo. "Mister Frodo's not going anywhere without me."
"No, indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you even when he summoned to a private Council and you are not," Elrond observed with a hint of laughter in his voice. Aragorn glanced at Legolas and the two bit their lips to keep from laughing, for they had known Elrond to explode at a lesser offense.
"We're coming, too!" cried one of two hobbits as they ran out from behind two pillars. They were Pippin and--what was the other named? The ones Legolas had met before. Elrond's eyebrows shot up so high Aragorn realized that Elrond had an unnatural large forehead. This time he really might explode! Legolas felt blood from biting his lip so hard. "Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this mission. . .quest. . .thing!"
"Well that rules you out, Pip," said the other.
"Very well. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring."
*****
"Mithrander, may I speak with you?"
"Yes, Elrohir, what is it?" the old wizard responded. He had known the sons of Elrond for many years, and knew well the nervousness in Elrohir's voice.
"You are part of this Fellowship, that will be setting out for Mordor? Might I ask of you. . .look after Legolas," he requested.
"Legolas?" Mithrander was confused by this. "I have known Legolas for many years, and never have I known him to be anything but trustworthy."
"He is very trustworthy. I would trust him with my life. But many years ago, when we were children--Legolas and I--I knew him to be quite different from who he is today. Legolas used to cut his arms and his legs with a dagger. He has scars. . .one on his right arm, many more on his left arm and his legs. Please, do not tell him I have told you this, for he would be angry, but just watch out for him."
"Of course," Mithrander said. This would not be easy.
Disclaimer: I own nothing (though I did buy my own copy of Return of the King tonight, before I could only borrow my dad's copy and it was getting to be very old and falling apart)
To reviewers:
Gwyn: Hasn't been that long! And anyway, I had a lot of things I had to do. Unfortunately, although on break, I still have a lot of school work. I've done my best, though, please don't persecute me for it. Anyway, at least the story's good, eh?
Soul Searcher Arbariel: Thanks. . .gee, hopefully you don't think Boromir is hot, this chapter is none too nice to him. Thanks! And what is moofa?
Lou: Thanks. Hopefully this one can stand on its own, so "Cold Steel" is not needed to understand it. But supposedly it's a good story. . .
Fairy Lady: Legolas has grown and matured, he is nowhere near as vulnerable as he was in the last one. Happy or not, he will be stable for at least the first two or three chapters.
Starfleet Hobbit: Thanks.
Padfoots Girl: Okay and thanks!
Ola: There wasn't a button on the right side of the screen because the author had not yet written a new chapter! But now she has!
Wicked Misty: Stupid slow computer! Bad machine. . .I am also anxious to see what will happen in future chapters, heh heh. Thanks!
Autumn: Good, it sticks to facts. Just for meticulous fact-checkers such as yourself I shall try to keep it perfect in continuity. Thanks!
Miss No Name: So, you probably want me to take down this story, huh? Just kidding!
Jessie Weasly: You aren't the only one! But then, if that were so, how could Celeborn say that he had not been to Lothlorien in "eight and thirty years"? k, thanks for reviewing!
Finnov: All in good time. . .
Koorinoen: Well, they aren't "cute" for much longer, but I'll try to write a few more "cute" moments between them.
Java Galxy: Don't worry, Legolas will stay happy-ish at the very least until Caradhras (sp?).
Kaimelian: I have no idea how to lark. Prancing I can manage, but larking is completely beyond me. You do not need coffee, you need ritalin. Just kidding! How many chances do you think he gets to wash his hair? Being a Ranger, I mean. Legolas really is happy, though. The last story was centuries ago. Have you begun caffeine withdrawal yet, by the way?
Lady Daine: Yes, the hobbits will respect him despite. . .if they respected him to begin with! Thanks, but a warning: it's not a humor story, the next chapters will not be so comical.
Karate Elf: Thanks and okay, I'll write more!
And to the rest of you who reviewed "Cold Steel":
Fenris: Woah. . .by the Valar, thank you so much for saying everything you said, it really means a lot that you said that. I'm sure your writing is very good, though. I totally agree that it is not sick and twisted for some of us it is a way to get your feelings out to the world, to show that no matter what is on the outside it is different within. Everyone I have told was surprised to learn I was cutting. Also some stories can tell people that it's all right, things are not as bad as they look, and people do care, and these sorts of things are not worth doing! Anyway, sorry to babble. Thank you again!
Lady Macbeth: The reason Legolas's brother's part was unfulfilled was that the story was mostly from Elrohir's perspective, without lapsing from third person. Naithon will be mentioned in this story, a bit. My friend had wanted to see Trainspotting but his mother would not let him so he came over and watched it with my sister and I so I had just seen it when I wrote that chapter.
Susan: Thanks, and here is the sequel!
Linz: Thank you very, very much!!
Sleep Miluv: Thanks! Because of the number of people wanting a sequel, well, I wrote one.
Dream Catcher: Yes, well, the world doesn't revolve around you. Just kidding! Anyway, sequel was in popular demand. Thanks for reviewing! And happy rest-of-winter-break!
Zurizip: First, for OOCs, that story was about how people change. When I wrote, it was partially for others, but also partially for myself, because I have to believe that people can change. Legolas is pretty much perfect, he is witty, smart, and loyal. Honourable. So I made him a weak, a child, to show how he changed. I know it was OOC, but that was on purpose. As you saw, at the end he was good ol' Greenleaf! Hehe. . .everyone likes Arwen in my stories, because she is always a cute little child. Take that, Arwen bashers! I meant asshole, and it is pronounced "pen-day-ho", if that helps at all. What do you mean, unorthodox? And as for the cursing, it was a bit crude, but used for emphasis. You're right, though. Hey! Stop attacking my characters!! Just kidding. Legolas: no, no she wasn't kidding! Me: Sissy. Thanks for all your reviews!
Golden Rose: Why not just delete "Cold Steel" for the sequel, if it's there? Or just ignore this sequel. . .
Src: To your question, yes and no. Yes, in outcome, but for different reasons. I'm glad you are enjoying it, hopefully learning from it.
Finnov: Good idea, as you can see an idea I have decided to use! Thanks!
Blank: Yes, I was planning a sequel.
Angel of the Elves: Yes, it is a line from a song. You aren't the only who likes that line. . .heh heh. Thanks thanks thanks!
Gryf Gal: Thanks, and as for the cutting, don't. Seriously. It is not worth it, and you are better than that.
Soul Searcher Arbariel: Yeah, I am also big on friendship. It's important. And I wanted something cute between the two. . .worked well. **meekly** okay. . .maybe I'm an okay writer. . . Thanks! I'm glad to have been of help with yours. Geez. . .thanks. . .you made me cry. That's not common. At least it excuses typos, eh? Long reviews are good, anyway!
*****
"You could not have been trying your best," Aragorn said, trudging into Imladris next Legolas, his bow over one shoulder.
"Or maybe you just improved," Legolas retorted, posture identical, steadying his bow with one hand.
"Come on, Legolas, I'm not a child anymore. You don't have to go easy on me in archery contests."
"I'm telling you, you won on your own," Legolas insisted. Suddenly he spotted something and stopped.
"What is it? What do you see?" Aragorn asked, noticing his friend had stopped.
"Your brothers are here," Legolas announced, and the two took off running.
"Elladan!"
"Elrohir!"
The twins were caught off guard as Legolas and Aragorn hugged them. Elladan was so startled that he fell over, and shoved Aragorn off him quite hard. "How much do you weigh? By the Valar," Elladan muttered, brushing himself off.
Elrohir, having fared better, returned Legolas's hug. "It is good to see you again! How many years has it been?"
"Quite a few," Legolas said with a nod. "How have you been?"
"I've been just fine, thank you, and you. . ." Elrohir glanced at Aragorn, then he lightly held Legolas's arm and asked, "are you well?"
"I am, thank you," Legolas returned.
"What is it?" Aragorn asked. "Why--"
"Never mind," Elladan said. "How have you been? Ada said something about a journey with Hobbits!"
"Oh, indeed," Aragorn answered, Elrohir and Legolas's strange exchange momentarily forgotten. "I met up with them in Bree, and assisted them in reaching Rivendell. They carried with them Sauron's ruling Ring."
"Never! The One?"
"The one and only. Now it has come to Rivendell, but I do not believe that this shall be all that this Ring shall cause. Elrond has called a Council tomorrow."
*****
Legolas felt awkward sitting in the stone chair, listening to Elrond speak. What was he doing here? This was above his head. This Ring, it was out of his reach to even understand its power and he knew it.
"Bring forth the Ring, Frodo."
It was a small thing, a band of gold, small as any normal ring, yet it was different. Legolas felt as if evil flowed off the ring, washing over him. It felt the same as. . .as what? He was not sure, but he had felt that way before. Part of him tugged, almost desiring the ring, but other things blotted that out--there was fear and confusion, and repulsion.
"In a dream, I saw the Eastern sky grow dark," said a Man of Gondor, standing. "But in the West still a light shown." Who was this man? He had been named, but Legolas had forgotten him. Now he preached, is if the Ring's evil had touched him already. "The weapon of the Enemy is a gift, a gift to the foes of Mordor!" What? This was shocking. No one could wield the Ring of Power, to even suggest such a thing was folly. Legolas wanted to jump up and tell him so, but he knew that would be wrong. Someone had to say something, though!
"You cannot wield it. No none of us can. The Ring answers to Sauron alone, it has no other master." Quite right, Aragorn! Legolas thought. He had not suspected Aragorn would be affected by the Ring, and proof of that was reassuring.
"And what," sneered the man from earlier, "would a Ranger know of this matter?"
Aragorn took this well, shrugging it off. Legolas would not bear it. He jumped to his feet. "This is no mere Ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance." The man from earlier looked on in disbelief.
"Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?" he asked disdainfully, gazing at Aragorn with equal contempt.
"And heir to the throne of Gondor," Legolas reminded him, sure he came from there. Aragorn looked uncomfortable with such importance.
"Havo dad, Legolas," he said, not wanting to say in the common tongue how little he wanted that title. Legolas did, but his eyes showed that he had not in the least relented. He glanced at Aragorn, the only of the three involved in the exchange that did not feel or look angry. Elrond shot him a look, as if to second the motion of asking Legolas to sit. Tension was building.
"Aragorn is right, we cannot use it," Mithrander said. No one would oppose him, if out of fear or out of respect for the old wizard. "It must be destroyed." Something held him back. . .with a start Legolas realized that even Mithrander was afraid of the Ring.
"The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom, only there can it be unmade. It must be cast back into the fires of the volcano, deep in Mordor. One of you must do this." Elrond looked around, as if asking who would take this quest.
"Why?" The man from Gondor asked. "Give the Ring to Gondor! Long has my father, the steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay!" Legolas resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Not this again! "Lend Gondor the weapon of Mordor. Let us use it against them!"
This was just too much for Legolas. It was more than stupidity. It was disrespect to Aragorn, to Elrond, and to Gandalf. He jumped up again. "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!"
"And I think you suppose you're the one to do it?" Challenged a dwarf, jumping to his feet. "I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!"
Legolas was offended by that one. 'Then you shall die,' he nearly said, although he had no intention of taking the Ring. He would be content never to see the thing again! But he would see the Ring to Mordor, for Elrond was correct: it had to be destroyed. However, as many Elves beside him sprang to their feet, Legolas held out his hands to restrain them.
Before anyone knew what was happening, the dwarves were on their feet as well. Everyone was yelling. Legolas felt a line of sweat on his forehead. He hated yelling, noise drove him mad. He tried to just shut it out, when suddenly everyone was quiet.
"I will take the Ring to Mordor! Although. . .I do not know the way."
"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear," Mithrander offered.
"If by my life or death I can protect you, I will. You have my sword." Good for you, Aragorn! But he was still just a child. . .
"And you have my bow," Legolas said before he knew he had spoken. Watch out for Aragorn, and also to see that thing destroyed, he told himself.
"And my axe," but by the way the dwarf glared, Legolas knew he joined only because Legolas himself had, and the Dwarf would not be outdone by an Elf. So be it.
"You carry the fate of us all, Little One." No, no, not him! By the Valar, anyone but him! "If this is indeed the will of the Council, Gondor will se it done." But Aragorn is coming! He can represent Gondor! Legolas kept his mouth shut. Aragorn, he knew, would rather represent the men of the North.
"Oi!" A shout from behind startled Legolas, though his Elven ears had perceived someone in the bushes before the Council began. At this a chubby hobbit ran up, taking a stand beside Frodo. "Mister Frodo's not going anywhere without me."
"No, indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you even when he summoned to a private Council and you are not," Elrond observed with a hint of laughter in his voice. Aragorn glanced at Legolas and the two bit their lips to keep from laughing, for they had known Elrond to explode at a lesser offense.
"We're coming, too!" cried one of two hobbits as they ran out from behind two pillars. They were Pippin and--what was the other named? The ones Legolas had met before. Elrond's eyebrows shot up so high Aragorn realized that Elrond had an unnatural large forehead. This time he really might explode! Legolas felt blood from biting his lip so hard. "Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this mission. . .quest. . .thing!"
"Well that rules you out, Pip," said the other.
"Very well. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring."
*****
"Mithrander, may I speak with you?"
"Yes, Elrohir, what is it?" the old wizard responded. He had known the sons of Elrond for many years, and knew well the nervousness in Elrohir's voice.
"You are part of this Fellowship, that will be setting out for Mordor? Might I ask of you. . .look after Legolas," he requested.
"Legolas?" Mithrander was confused by this. "I have known Legolas for many years, and never have I known him to be anything but trustworthy."
"He is very trustworthy. I would trust him with my life. But many years ago, when we were children--Legolas and I--I knew him to be quite different from who he is today. Legolas used to cut his arms and his legs with a dagger. He has scars. . .one on his right arm, many more on his left arm and his legs. Please, do not tell him I have told you this, for he would be angry, but just watch out for him."
"Of course," Mithrander said. This would not be easy.