I was delighted to find 13 reviews on the first chapter when I got home so I decided you deserved an extra chapter before I go on with Bonds Of Hope--so here it is!! I suppose waist-length hair is a bit long--but I like it!! **Shrugs**
Chapter 2--Hints Of War
Thranduil looked up as his eldest son, Jadriel entered the room. "What is it?" he asked.
Jadriel frowned. "Arathorn is back with the same demands," he said.
Thranduil sighed in annoyance. "You may tell him my answer is the same as last time. I will not swear an oath of fealty to him. Mirkwood does not recognize his rule nor will it ever," he said.
Jadriel grinned then sobered. "I hope Legolas is not upset about not hearing from us for so long," he said.
Thranduil sighed. "So do I, but it is not safe to send a message right now. Perhaps it will be soon," he said. "At least he is safe in Lothlorien, far safer then he would be here."
"I will deliver the message to Arathorn," Jadriel said.
"Be careful, I do not want anything to happen to you," Thranduil said. He watched the crown prince leave the room. I fear war with Minas Tirith may be unavoidable, he thought.
Jadriel stood barely outside the border of Mirkwood with his guards, facing Arathorn and his guards. "King Thranduil's answer has not changed--he will not vow fealty to you," he said.
"We could easily overpower your kind, elf," Arathorn warned.
"To do so you would have to enter Mirkwood, we know every tree, enter at your own peril," Jadriel said with that the Elves faded back into the woods, leaving Arathorn fuming in rage.
"He speaks the truth, my Liege, Mirkwood is treacherous and entering it would be unwise. The elves would simple pick us off one at a time or let the dangers of the forest kill us," Arathorn's advisor warned.
"I will find a way, Cullen, I refuse to be outwitted by the likes of them. We return to Minas Tirith--ride!" Arathorn ordered. They rode back towards Minas Tirith.
**Meanwhile**
Aragorn was the first of the companions to arrive at the breakfast table the next day. "Good morning, father, Elrohir, Elladan," he said, taking his seat.
Elrond looked amused. "There is no hurry, my son, Lothlorien is not going to disappear," he said.
Aragorn smiled at that. "I know father, but I am eager to see Legolas again," he said. He served himself and began eating while the others came in and took their places at the long table.
"I have sent a message back to the Lady to inform her that you are coming. I trust you will be careful," Elrond said.
"Do not worry, father. We will be fine," Aragorn said. "We fight well together."
"A good thing I suppose," Elrond said.
After breakfast they said their good-byes and went out to the stable to get their horses. The animals were ready to go. Twenty minutes later they were headed for Lothlorien.
**Back In Minas Tirith**
Arathorn sat on his throne, brooding. He was angry at the Elf King's defiance. He was determined to get control of Mirkwood, but how? His musings were interrupted when two guards entered, shoving an Elf ahead of them.
"We caught him in the city, my liege and thought you would wish to question him," one said.
"Indeed, who are you, elf?" Arathorn demanded.
"Someone who can help you with the conquest of Mirkwood," the Elf said.
"Really?" Arathorn asked sarcastically. "How?"
"The Elf smirked. "I am Jerrin, King Thranduil's younger brother," he said.
"And why would you betray your own brother?" Arathorn asked.
"My reasons are not important. I will help you and in return I take the throne. I get what I want and you gain an ally. We would both prosper," Jerrin said.
"An interesting thought, be seated and let us discuss this in more detail," Arathorn said…..
Haha, knew I could find another use for that rotten uncle of Legolas'….Hope you like-----R/R please!!! (I know the chapters aren't real long but this way you get more updates)