A/N: Thanks Helluin! ~Oh... I missed you, yes I did, my little bookys! My preciousssesss...~ =D I finally have SotR and tH back! Thanks to my reviewers, who still lift my spirits all the way to Taniquetil!! (hm... I like that one!...) And, who's the little brat? Read on! ;)

This chapter's dedicated to my sweet 'Green Flaming Pijama Cat' - CHEER UP, PLEASE!!! You'll learn, just don't give up!! EVER!!!! =D

Tests are still going and although they're almost through, don't expect updates to be fast! (if anyone's actually interested...) Chapter's title: didn't quite know what to call it, so there you go. I actually like the title more than I do the real chapter... Feel like I spend the whole time doing explanations. Do I?

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Chapter VII - Gilraen And Silima

After Elrohir had left and Legolas had quickly bathed, he found that someone had left a new, clean tunic and some breeches on his bed. They were of a shade of beautiful forest-green, as would suit a wood-elf, but not overly ornamented. Embroideries in silver thread decorated the cuffs and neckband of the tunic in patterns of vines and ivy leafs, and silver buttons completed the set. Just after he had finished dressing, someone knocked on his door. It was a maid and she brought a knife and a towel.

"Good evening Prince Legolas. Lord Elrohir sent me to do what I could about your hair, and see if anything else was needed." She bowed and looked away, shyly.

"Come in. There really isn't all that much to be done. Unless, of course, you know of some spell to make it grow back." She smiled. Obviously, she was very nervous for some reason. "What's your name? I'd like to know who's going to be holding a blade to my head." She laughed.

"I'm called Silima. And don't worry, I'll simply try to even up your hair a bit, that's all. I was told there was something wrong about your leg too. Is there anything I can do?"

"It was broken, but it's been over a week now. I think it's almost fine, thank you."

"Well, I should very much like to see it anyway, I have some skills in healing."

She fetched a chair for Legolas to sit in, laid the towel over his shoulders and started cutting his hair short. Legolas took the opportunity to relax, letting the soft movements lull him. He closed his eyes and started thinking as he waited.

He considered what he would say to Lord Elrond, and how his home would be faring by now. Unexpectedly, he found himself thinking of just how much he missed Mirkwood and decided then that he would return soon. Imladris was a pleasant land, but there was really no need to linger there, and he could not help the feeling that he was needed back in Taur-e-Ndaedelos. Mayhap in a week he would ride out and go back to his beloved woods.

A sweet pull of the hair on the right side of his head pushed his thoughts elsewhere and, as much as he did not wish to think about it, it was unavoidable. Thoughts came of his sister, sweet Moralphwen. She, too, used to love playing with his hair, but only with that of his right side, always twirling her fingers around the golden locks. He grieved for not being with her. He had not seen her in such a long time... Legolas wondered if he would be able to even recognise her now. But he wished not to dwell on this, he could not, for it was too painful. Therefore, he opened his eyes and tried to focus on the present time only, watching as Silima cut off strands of blond hair, one by one.

When Silima had finished cutting, she asked to take a look at his leg. After examining it, she decided it was best to bandage it again, to make sure the bone stayed in place and kept still in the final stage of healing. Indeed it had not been a serious injury and perhaps even on the next two days or so it would be fully healed. Once again her motions were soft, as not to trouble Legolas, but had the reverse effect. He struggled to keep his mind off the past. After finishing, she excused herself and left him alone in the room. Only moments later, however, a knock on the door was heard, and he went to answer it.

"Elrohir! I was just wondering where is the meal to be held."

"Elladan. And that's just why I'm here. You've missed it already! Like your hair... I've brought you some food, and there's something I'd like to tell you." They went inside and sat by a wooden table. As Legolas ate, Elladan started talking and explaining.

"Remember when we got here, and stayed so tense when you asked about Estel?" The wood-elf nodded in acknowledgement. "Well, I'm not sure if Elrohir, or even my father, agree to this, but I feel like I have to explain it to you."

Elladan then told him of all the events that had happened in the western lands, some years ago. How the two twins had gone to meet Arathorn, son of Arador, Chieftain of the Dúnedain, and how they had gotten into a fight with orcs. It had been an accursed day, for Arathorn had been slain, with an arrow through the eye. Lady Gilraen was his wife and the twins, for fear of what chase the dark forces might ensue to find the heir of Elendil and kill him as well, had decided it was best to bring them both to Imladris, the safest place for the little one. After all, the child was no more than two years old and, in fact, distantly related to Elrond himself.

"Now, please Legolas, mellon, promise me you will keep it a secret! No one is supposed to know of this, Estel himself doesn't know. Promise me you will not tell a soul about this!"

"I promise. Thank you for letting me know, I did wonder about it then."

"I must go now. See you later." Elladan left and cried back when he was already walking in the corridor "And try not to miss dinner when the bell rings again!"

~*~

Dinner was served on a great hall, next to the front entrance, behind one of those fine doors that had captured Legolas' attention earlier. It was a large room, filled with elves. Legolas was seated next to Elladan and across his brother. Elrond had not yet arrived. When he saw him, Elrohir just smiled mischievously and Elladan spoke.

"I already told my brother and father about our talk earlier, Legolas. Father is talking to Glorfindel and Erestor and some others about something, they would not tell us what. Probably boring businesses, anyway."

"You never did tell me Estel's real name."

"It's Aragorn, son of Arathorn, but it's a dangerous subject. Secrecy is of the most importance here, so always call him Estel."

They said nothing more and started slowly eating. The food was marvellous and Legolas wondered if there could be anything in that place that was not; everything seemed to be perfect. He actually felt some embarrassment when he tried to compare his home to this. ~Nay, my home is also wonderful, in its own way. Things are just different.~

When they had just finished, between many stories and jokes (mostly concerning hair), and were about to leave for a stroll in the gardens outside, the Elven Lords finally arrived. Elrond went to Legolas.

"Forgive me, my Prince, for not having talked to you yet. I have been busy with other affairs equally important, and it has become late. Perhaps it would be wisest if we left our talk for tomorrow morning?"

"Very well, my lord. And where will I find you?"

"In my study. There are many things that I myself wish to discuss with you."

"Yes. I shall see you in the morning, then. Good night, Lord Elrond."

The three friends went outside to the gardens on the East side of the house. They spent the night talking and singing and enjoying themselves under Elbereth's starlight. The cool fragrance of the flowers in the gardens filled the warm air, only occasionally troubled by a smooth breeze. Ithil [the moon], in its white radiance, was high in the dark sky when they finally felt it was time to retire.

Legolas decided to end the perfect evening in a perfect way, so he climbed a tree and, lightly jumping from branch to branch, made his way to his room's veranda, full of elven grace. The twins just laughed and applauded him. He bowed in turn, while standing on the banister, and said his good-wishes for the night. Elrohir, however, just could not help but to add something of his own.

"Show-off!" Legolas laughed.

"Ah! My good Elrohir, you're just jealous! Now, farewell and good night, mellyn!"