Hi everyone, I found this chapter a lot harder to write than I thought I would. But hurrah for me; my cold is gone, I'm slowly getting over baby David and Hewitt is out of Wimbledon in the first round! Mwahahahaha. Not to mention England beat the Wallabies at Rugby and Pakistan at Cricket. I'm quite cheerful, and am sitting in front of Harry Potter, trying to decide whether to read it now or concentrate on the last couple of chapters of this story. I'll probably go for the story as HP will be there for a while. Thank you to my lovely reviewers, I got to 100 woohoo! That was my target so I think I'll leave the story unfinished. Hehe, no I'm joking.

~*~A Midnight Chat~*~

The soothing call of the birds twittering in the tall pine trees echoed around them, celebrating the newborn day. The sun beamed down cheerfully; it was much warmer than the past few days, more humid and muggy. The bumblebees buzzed lazily around the tall grass and the deer grazed peacefully near the winding stream. Legolas sat high in the branches, much too high for Gandalf to bother him with his indescribably loud snoring, enjoying the gentle breeze whip around the top branches, he watched an old blackbird swoop down and settle on one of the tallest branches, it's glossy ebony feathers shimmering in the morning sunshine. A butterfly with elegant wings of brilliant emerald and indigo settled on his fingertips, he raised it closer to his face, gazing with a childlike fascination; he smiled. Although in his heart, he had not forgiven himself, Gandalf's news had given him hope, but they had also shocked him. Estel, that cocky insolent little thing, heir to the throne of Gondor? He had suspected Estel was not an ordinary child, but this was unbelievable. Estel- Aragorn...a king? A scary thought indeed. He shook hid head and switched his concentration back to the majestic insect. It fluttered away silently and he closed his eyes, relaxing back, letting the hazy pine scent carry his thoughts away.

An hour or so passed and he had almost fallen asleep, engulfed in the soothing chorus of nature, his hair swished around as the wind picked up a little, writhing like an unruly snake. Shifting a little, he dislodged a number of painful pine needles and a small dead branch that rattled as the wind blew, shattering the peace each time, and flicked them away.

A disgruntled roar surfaced from below him, and Legolas immediately leapt to his feet, peering down through the high sparse branches. Gandalf stood on the grass at the base of the tree, almost sixty feet below him, clutching his head tenderly and glaring between the offending timber and elf.

"Forgive me, Gandalf! I did not think you would be rooted there, it is a queer place to stand indeed!" He jested.

The old wizard muttered something under his breath, even inaudible for Legolas' keen elf ears. "It is good to see your spirits have risen, even if it does mean an unsightly lump on this wizard's head." He replied, a wry smile lighting up his face. "Would you like some breakfast?"

The fair elf returned the smile, although his a little uneasy still. "Yes, thank you." He descended through the branches silently and unnaturally easily, his feet barely making a sound as he landed on the scrub. "What are you cooking?" Legolas asked, glancing over the grey haired figure's shoulder.

"Eggs, sausages, tomatoes and bacon." Gandalf replied with a hungry grin.

Legolas grimaced queasily. "You are planning to eat all that?"

"Of course." He confirmed. "It is all that time spent feasting in the Shire, I have grown quite used to it."

He raised an eyebrow with a slightly bemused smile. "All these beings seem to do is eat."

"So, will you return with me today?" The wizard asked as he checked the food.

The grin drained from his face and shook his head. "No, it is too soon." He replied quietly.

"It has been over a week, you stubborn elf!" He cried animatedly.

"It is not stubbornness. It is showing respect." The elf growled.

"It is fear. You are too afraid to see your friends again because they blamed you in the heat of the moment."

"I doubt they see me as a friend anymore." He muttered sadly. "I am the last person they want to see."

"That is not true." A cheerful voice replied from behind.

Legolas spun around at a lightning pace, even though he knew exactly who it was. The twins stood beside their horses looking sheepish and a little embarrassed, their dyed locks disguised with dark headscarves, but the luminous pairs of eyebrows stood prominently on their fair skin.

"Gandalf, why are you fraternizing with the enemy?" Elrohir joked.

Elladan turned to his dear friend, seeing that his brother's comment had hurt. Legolas looked to his feet, his cheeks a deep shade of crimson. The elder twin elbowed his sibling in the ribs, causing Elrohir to cry out.

"That was unnecessary, brother." He growled, clutching his side.

"So was that joke."

"It was funny." Elrohir defended.

"It was not."

"Was too-"

Gandalf cleared his throat loudly, breaking the brothers out of their argument.

Elladan scratched his neck uncomfortably. "Sorry." He mumbled as he sat down beside the blonde elf. "We are very relieved to find you... Estel has regained consciousness."

"That is wonderful-"

Elladan nodded, smiling. "And he has told us what happened." He continued.

"Oh. I-"

They sighed in unison. "We are here to apologize. We blamed you rashly and it was unfair. It was good of you to try and protect him but Estel is rightly taking responsibility for his stupidity. Will you forgive us?"

The blonde elf sat quietly, stunned. "I err-"

"Please, Legolas. We would not wish to lose such a cherished friend over this. Estel told us that it was he who ran off, playing tricks as usual." An uncomfortable pause fell between them all, only the gentle hiss of the breakfast making a sound in the camp. "…We said some horrible things and unfairly blamed you. We should have listened to our father." Elrohir muttered.

Legolas glanced over to Gandalf, his eyes awash with shock and confusion. The wizard smiled knowingly.

"Erm... Of course." His voice squeaked.

"Thank you, will you come back with us? I think Estel longs to apologize himself." Elrohir smiled, visibly relieved.

Legolas almost laughed at their words. "If that is what you wish."

"Of course it is; we can all finally begin to relax again." He replied warmly. "We have missed your company."

"And I yours."

The twins joined them for breakfast, with more than enough to go around. They spoke cheerily, laughing about Legolas and Estel's childish arguments and all the scrapes they had gone into over the years. Legolas laughed along, but his head swirled; he didn't quite understand what had just happened and why Estel had lied. He drifted away with his thoughts as they loaded their horses once more, riding along quietly as the others chatted. Why had Estel taken the blame? Gandalf slowed down and rode beside the distracted elf.

"I do not understand, Gandalf." He said quietly.

"I told you he might surprise you."

"But why would he lie? It makes no sense."

"I could not tell all his reasoning, but I think he is throwing an olive branch out to you." He smiled.

"An olive branch? Why would he do that?"

"Talk to him, but I would take it if I were you." The silver haired wizard replied softly.

* * *

His footsteps fell silently on the cool stones, the gentle patter from a nearby fountain distracting him. The party had arrived back at midday but they had not allowed Legolas to see Estel yet and so the baffled elf had retreated the gardens. The early spring blossom fluttered down through the trees, the fragrant scent fusing around in the air. Legolas had joined them for supper, the lighter mood a relief after the tense week. There was much jesting and conversation and little talk of Estel's attack. He returned to the gardens afterwards, wandering through the pine trees, grazing his slim fingers across the rough bark. The moon beamed brightly in the clear sky, the stars dazzling brilliantly. It was a beautiful night, peaceful and tranquil.     

A loud scraping noise caught his attention and he ventured back to the path quickly. Under the daunting gaze of the moon, the clear form of the young human was making his way slowly through the glade with the aid of beautifully carved crutches. He had a dark blue blanket wrapped around his slim body and his hair rested on his shoulders. Legolas followed behind for a few feet, watching with curiosity.

"Surely you are not creeping into the forest again?" He asked sternly.

Estel jumped, and turned to face the elf. "We must stop sneaking up on one another, it is not good for the heart." He smiled, but was only met with Legolas' usual frown. "...Of course I was not, I know my limits. I just needed some fresh air." He exasperated.

"You have a window." He replied flatly, crossing his arms.

The young boy chuckled, and sat down gingerly on a wooden bench. "You are too suspicious for your own good, elf."

His frown softened. "Are you sure you are able to walk?"

"Oh, I am sure I am not, but I was going mad in there and they left crutches near my bedside, so what do they expect?" The cheeky grin that used to rile Legolas returning. "Judging by your presence, I assume my brothers found you and apologized."

Legolas nodded. "It was noble of you to take the blame, but I will not have you lying for me. It is my fault, not yours."

"You do not honestly believe that do you?" Estel frowned.

"I left you and you were attacked. There is no question of it not being my fault, Estel." Legolas whispered, sitting down beside him.

"That is nonsense, we could have been attacked in our sleep! It was an accident." Estel replied softly.

"But-"

"If you were to blame, then I would have hung you out to dry, but it was not your fault - I would not lie to my family if it were your fault. I do not blame you; so do not blame yourself. It is folly."

"Do you mean that?" He asked quietly, their eyes locked.

The young boy rolled his eyes and let out an exaggerated groan, but quickly flinched in pain, clutching his bandaged torso. "Remind me not to do that again." He muttered. "What was I saying? Oh, yes, Legolas, I meant every word. It - was – not – your - fault."

Legolas sighed, and smiled gently. "Will you forgive my harsh words then? I did not mean them."

"There is nothing to forgive." Estel beamed, leaning back against the oak bench.

"There is. What I said was-"

"Do not tell me you have transformed into some kind of meek, sniveling little... girl? I was just beginning to like you." Estel raised his eyebrows, a bemused smirk edging across his face.

Legolas laughed. "No one has ever called me a girl before."

"Really? That is very surprising." His eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Runt."

"Princess."

"Dwarf."

They looked at each other, eyes narrowed, before bursting into a fit of giggles.

"Your maturity astounds me." Estel remarked dryly.

"The size of your head astounds me." Legolas sneered.

"There is nothing wrong with my head!" He whined, raising his hands to his face and scowling at the triumphant elf. "This is ridiculous."

"I know. But at least I won this time." The elf grinned proudly.

"Would you like a trophy?" Estel asked sarcastically, cocking a bruised eyebrow.

It was Legolas' turn to scowl and slumped back into the bench, they fell into a comfortable silence, the elf glancing across at the young boy a few times. Looking down at Estel's leg, the splint bandaged tightly, he still felt a pang of guilt but Estel's reassurances had soothed much of his turmoil. "Do you remember your parents?" Legolas asked quietly, turning to the quiet child.

"That is a change in direction." He mumbled, looking away.

"I know." The tone of his voice urging Estel to reply honestly.

The young lad sighed. "No. I was only two when they died." He explained quietly. "Orcs raided our camp. I remember the screams and I remember not understanding what was going on until... the blood and watching as an arrow hit my father." He fell silent once more, looking down at his hands. "I remember my mother's smile, her voice. My father was away a lot, so I remember little about him, just the expression on his face as he died. I just sat there, cowering under the bad, hoping they would not see me. My father's body was lying near the entrance of the tent, bleeding, and I could not move. I heard my mother scream and I knew she was dead."

The blonde elf closed his eyes in dismay.

"It still haunts my dreams; I must have hid there for hours, looking at his body, too afraid to move. I had nowhere to go, I just waited until the screams died down and ran to the nearby stream and hid between the huge rocks in case they came back. My father was so strong and so skilled with the sword but he was so easily slain." Estel admitted. "I have to be stronger than him or I will die the same way."

"I do not think that will be your fate." Legolas replied quietly. "Is that why you go in the forest?"

"I go there because… I need to clear my thoughts. I do not go to fight goblins or rescue ungrateful elves, that was a one off I assure you."

"Who taught you to use the blade so well?"

"No one. I watch my brothers dueling and I copy them. You and Gandalf are the only ones who know."

"Why have you not told your brothers? They would not be angry." Legolas asked gently.

"Perhaps not, but they would lose their trust in me. I would not do anything to betray them, but this was something I had to do, do you know what I mean?"

The elf nodded. "I had to leave Mirkwood, I would never intentionally hurt my father, but I needed to get away."

"Why?"

"It is not your business." He muttered irritably.

"Legolas, I have just told you things that I have never dared to speak of before. The least you could do is answer one question!"

He glanced at the frowning boy and rolled his eyes. "Fine…Our families are the same in stature, but my family is so unlike yours. We are very formal, the royal traditions are severely adhered to and my father is very strict. Our status is very important to him; we must be addressed by our titles and not speak to the servants unless it is to give orders. I cannot live like that for long periods." He explained, looking up into the twinkling night sky. "We had an argument… He wanted me- it does not matter, he has a legendary temper and some of it has passed on to me. I left, it hurts him every time I go, he does not understand this, but if I do not leave when I do, then we will only end up arguing like that every week. I love him dearly, but we are very different."

"Do my brothers know why you are here?"

"No, they think it is a friendly visit… I would like to keep it that way."

"I will not tell a soul." Estel smiled reassuringly.

They looked at one another for a moment in silence. "Truce?" Legolas smiled, offering his hand.

Estel shook it. "This does not mean I like you though, you are still an arrogant woman." He grinned cheekily.

"I should hope not. You are still an arrogant worm." He laughed.

"Ah, at least we have something in common other than the ability to argue like five year olds."

"We have another thing in common; the art of practical jokes. Though, I must say, your hair dying scheme was ingenious, better than most of my pranks."

"Excuse me? Did the elf just admit he was not the greatest at everything in this world?"

"Not exactly. I said most, not all."

"Ha! I will still be better even when I am old and grey and you are old and well... blonde." Estel replied defiantly.

Legolas laughed heartily. "That sounds like a challenge to me."

"It is." The young boy answered firmly.

"It is hardly a fair contest - you can barely walk."

"Stop looking for excuses, elf, I will beat you from my sick bed. This is my territory now." He warned.

"You will be crying for mercy before the end!" He growled, his eyes twinkling with mischievous venom.

"We shall see."

TBC…

Ele – Pay attention! And stop pouncing, it hurts!

TigerLily713 – Well, Gandalf is a top quality diamond geezer. No, wait, that's Del Boy. I'm confused.

Hwaorang – That's a cool name, you want a Balrog slayer? I'd prefer Aragorn covered in chocolate (yum) and a Balrog as my pet. Yay! You're English, you're the first English author I've met, I know a certain eccentric Irish one (hey Tith) but that's it.

NaughtyNat – That's an erm… interesting review, or quote.

Grumpy – I thought it need a slight injection of humour otherwise personally would've been tipped over the edge and hung myself. I have issues.

Leggylover03 – Oh, go on! For shits and giggles…

Pixie – I've been warned about pixies… don't eat me! Dude, I'm seriously ill.

Astronema – Well done, you got rid of him! Maybe he can run for the American Presidency, it seems to have the same urges as Bush.

Lady Eleclya – Yeah, I feel for Legolas. Beautiful, immortal, friends with the future most gorgeous man alive (in the film) poor thing.

Sweet-n-sour-slytherin – Personally I blame Gollum. Don't ask why.

Porcelain Princess – Frodo? Hmm… he's cute but well he's tiny. And I am not kidding about Elrond! He's gorgeous, got me through the Matrix Reloaded. Merry's very delectable too…

Dragonfly – That's a relief, thanks for commenting on that!

Leggy-stinks – How can you think Sam's sweet?! Urgh, what an annoyance. I love my Legless, but not as much as Aragorn.

Tithen Min – A blind and stupid nurse, what a comfort! Thanks for the drugs and Becks plushie – I would have preferred the actual man, but that's another story. You miss my next chapter, and I'll come over there and hit you with my David Beckham plushie. You have been warned! Love ya.