PLEASE READ!!!!!!!!!!!  IMPORTANT!!!!! ((Author's note: this really isn't a new chapter, more like an addition to the last one.  Some of the reviewers brought up a point that I knew I had to deal with.  It was a mistake on my part.  I have a habit of writing first and thinking later.  I had in my mind how I wanted Legolas and Eowyn to meet before I even started writing this story.  The idea for Legolas and Aragorn's meeting came later and I could not resist putting it in.  But the only way to also do the Legolas and Eowyn meeting was to have Aragorn not tell him…so yah… this should clear it up))

Dedicated to Arwyn and Nimrodel for they were the ones who demanded the necessity of this chapter.

Welcome Home?

Aragorn sank down on the floor as soon as he was out of sight of Legolas' room.  He lowered his head onto his knees and took a deep shuddering breath, trying unsuccessfully to calm his nerves.

He was back.  The words filled his brain blotting out every other thought.  He was back.

And all you could do was talk about what was happening in Gondor.  Did you even give him a hug and welcome him home?  Aragorn shook his bent head.  And you call yourself a king…

He should have been jumping for joy and telling his long lost friend how much he had missed him. What had stopped him?

Aragorn sat still and contemplated the question.  What had stopped him from feeling thrilled at his friend's return? What was this deep feeling of unease that was gnawing persistently at his heart?

Perhaps it was Legolas himself.   He had been different then the carefree elf that had left three years before. There was a new emotion in the bluish eyes that Aragorn could not place for the life of him. It was akin to fear, but Legolas was strong and he never feared anything.  That could not have been fear that Aragorn had seen, he would not believe it.

Aragorn lifted his head to look back down the hallway in the direction of Legolas' room. "Ah, mellonamin, what has happened to you? Whatever it was, I fear the worst is yet to come."

Eowyn. The lovely princess that Legolas had given his heart to.  What would Legolas do when he discovered what had transpired in the three years?

Aragorn admitted the reasons for keeping the truth about Eowyn and Faramir to himself was purely selfish.  He did not want to be the one to tell the elf of the atrocities committed in his absence. He did not want to be the one to make Legolas weep.

Shamefully, Aragorn remembered the time he himself had lain in Eowyn's bed after the elf's departure.

Faramir had been away on business and a fight with Arwen had driven him to seek comfort from the one his best friend had loved.

Resting against the smooth wall, Aragorn closed his eyes. Tomorrow. Tomorrow all would come into the light and he hope that the Valar would help them get through the storm that was sure to follow.

"My Lord?"

Aragorn was jarred from his thought by the quiet voice of one of the palace guards.  "Hmm?"

"Are you well, my Lord?"

Rising to his feet, Aragorn nodded. "I am fine.  Just getting ready for bed." He smiled lightly at the young guard.  "All is quiet in the palace? No intruders or strange noises?"

"No, my Lord, it has been quieter than tomb."

"Are you positive?"

"With all due respect, your Majesty, your guards are the best in Middle Earth. There is no way someone could sneak past them, be it an elf or a man.  Have no fear, the palace has been secure."

Aragorn nodded.  "I am sure they are all very dedicated." He smiled slightly.  "I think I will go to bed now."

"Yes, my Lord. Would you like me to escort you back to your room?"

"I think I will be fine." Aragorn turned to leave and then paused for a moment. "Oh, guard?"

"Yes, my Lord?"

"Do you mind informing the cook for me that we have an extra person tomorrow at breakfast?"

"Certainly. Will someone be arriving early?"

"He has already arrived. My friend Legolas apparently snuck past your guards and into my study an hour or so ago.  He will most likely be staying a few weeks so have the butler make a room ready."

The guard stared a moment before bowing and running off to do his duties.

Aragorn chuckled to himself and hurried down the hallway to the bedroom he shared with Arwen.  But then he quickly sobered as he thought of Legolas sleeping a few feet away.

For some reason, he found himself not looking forward to the next morning.

(The real chapter should be coming in the next couple days or so….but I had to get this one written before I could go on. I hope you guys aren't too upset…*hopeful grin*)