sorry for it being so late again peoples! I promise you that it will be done by summer vacation! BTW, I've made up a little treat for u guys thanks to OrlandoBloomFiles.com! It's a little picture (animation picture ^_^) of what I thought what Legolas would look like most of the time in this fic. Also, I've made up an amateur Pirates of the Caribbean Desktop with all Orlando Bloom! If u guys want either of these, then just give me an email!

Chapter 17

So they came. Otrinity held her head high and Legolas rested his head on her smooth neck. The silver main and tail bobbed and waved just slightly as they entered the Mirkwood kingdom through the gate. The guards wished for Legolas to ride with them to the palace, but Legolas refused strongly. His spirit may have cracked, but his will still remained strong.

Otrinity spent the most of her thoughts on concentrating on Legolas and that his body remained on her back. She eyed everybody that she passed, being sure that they would only point at Legolas or cry out in fear at seeing their prince in such a state.

When they reached the palace, Thranduil was already waiting outside the gate. He rushed up and let his son slide into his arms. Legolas shoved him away and landed on his feet on the marble steps. He grinned at his father then nodded towards Otrinity. Thranduil shook his head.

"Later, please Legolas. You need help!" the king began to slide his arm around Legolas's waist so that he may assist him up the steps.

"No, father." said Legolas through gritted teeth, gently pushing away the hand. "Now." Thranduil stared at him for a moment, then to the tall unicorn that stood behind his son. He stepped forward and sighed, wondering what to say. No, not what to say, where to start.

"First, you save me, then you save my son twice. You damn near lost your life doing those things and every time... I was... I was frightened for both my son... and you. You've done several good deeds for Mirkwood's royal family, and I cannot thank you enough for it." Legolas grinned as his father's words became more and more full of emotion. "If it wasn't for you... I would no longer have my son." He gently reached out and stroked her horn, feeling the smooth curves and gentle warmth. "I swear now that I and all the palace personnel will be your protectors should any of this ever happen again."

Legolas looked at Otrinity, then back to his father.

"It will not happen again." he said. Thranduil looked towards his son, letting his hand fall to stroke Otrinity's nose.

"It won't?" he asked, hardly daring to believe it.

"It's over, father." said Legolas, grinning. Thranduil didn't know whether to grin or cry when his son fainted right there.

*

When Legolas awoke, he noticed several vases with colorful flowers arranged poetically in them. There were folded pieces of parchment that sat next to each one. Some said 'Get Well' or 'Hope you Feel Better'. Legolas grinned, but skipped reading them. He wouldn't be able to make out the words anyhow. The night had settled in, letting Legolas become cool under his blankets.

He shut his eyes and leaned back against his pillow. This day had been the best and yet the worst of his life. He nearly died from a knife-wound and yet his father had finally accepted Otrinity. He felt so full and satisfied. Nothing could be better.

The next day, everything changed...