Sorry about the wait, real life has been getting in the way lately…

Chapter 19--Longing

Arathorn was gone when Legolas awoke the next morning, much to Legolas' relief. He took a long, hot bath before dressing and slipping out of the room. He made his way to the garden and sat down by the pool. He could be alone here; no one came out to the garden often. He lifted up the sapphire to examine it. It was exquisite and obviously valuable. He hated it! He once again longed to rip it off and toss it into the pond, but he knew he couldn't. He let it drop back into place. He heard footsteps and glanced that way and saw Jandra.

Jandra sat down next to him, studying him. "Are you all right?" she asked.

"I have been better," Legolas said. "I do not know how much longer I can bear being imprisoned here."

"Can I do anything to help?" Jandra asked.

"Nay unless you are willing to help me leave here," Legolas said flatly. He returned his gaze to the water.

"I must go, be strong," Jandra said. She stood and left. She was worried though. She didn't like how listless the Elf sounded.

Legolas stayed in the garden all morning, about midday a guard came up to him. He looked up. "What is it?" he asked.

"The King demands you join him for lunch. I will take you to him," the guard said.

Legolas sighed, but he stood and followed. Legolas was relieved when he was led to the dining hall and not the King's suite.

Arathorn smiled when he saw him. "There you are, my lovely," he said. "Be seated." He gestured to the chair next to him.

Legolas silently obeyed. He ignored the many platters of fine food. He wasn't hungry; in fact he felt that he would be ill if he tried to eat.

Arathorn eyed his empty plate. "Does nothing tempt you, little one?" he asked. "I could have the cooks prepare you something else if you wish."

"I feel unwell, may I go back to the suite?" Legolas asked.

"Of course, go and rest, I do not want you to collapse," Arathorn said.

Legolas stood and left the room without another word. He made his way back to the royal suite and collapsed into bed. He was asleep in minutes.

**Meanwhile**

Boromir stood with Syri while Qui prepared her horse. "Why did you not tell me you have a daughter?" he asked.

"I was not sure how you would react," Syri said. "I did not want to hide it from you, but I wanted to get to know you a little better before I told you.'

"Well, you have no reason to fear. I look forward to meeting her,' Boromir said. "Are you sure it is wise for you to go to Minas Tirith alone?"

"I will not go near the castle. I will give a street urchin a silver coin to deliver a message to Jandra, asking her to meet me ten miles from town," Syri said. "Do not worry about me.' She saw Qui was finished. "I must go now," she said. She gave Boromir a long kiss then mounted and rode off.

"Be careful, my she-warrior, I love you," Boromir said softly as she rode out of sight.

**Back At The Castle**

Arathorn looked up when the healer came into the study. "Well?" he demanded.

"Fatigue, my Liege. He needs to rest and I would suggest leaving him to his own devices for a few days. Do not push him," the healer said.

Arathorn frowned then nodded. "Thank you. You may go," he said. After the healer left Arathorn went in and sat down to keep an eye on his Elf. "You are mine, I will not let you go."

Legolas was deeply asleep and heard nothing--in sleep he was reunited with his family and at home.

Syri pushed her horse as hard as she dared. She was determined to get to Minas Tirith as quickly as possible. She would get Legolas safely home somehow or die in the attempt…..

His Elf--yeah, right!! R/R please!!