I know, I'll late--sigh--had a really rotten day Saturday, everything that could go wrong did!! Well, better late then never…I guess.

Chapter 38--Seeking Allies

Legolas sat in a small clearing in sight of the palace with Qui close by. His father had given strict orders that he was not to leave the palace unescorted. It had been a week since war had been declared and Legolas was bored and nervous.

Aragorn, Elrohir and Elladan had gone to Rivendell to speak to Elrond and ask for aid while Boromir and Syri had offered to take a message to Lothlorien.

Jadriel and Thranduil were always locked up with high-ranking guards and strategists planning and preparing for the battle.

Legolas spent most of his time alone, except for Qui and he was grateful for the company though he was worried about his friends, family and home.

Qui tapped his shoulder, interrupting his thoughts. **Are you ready to go back? ** he signed.

"I would like to go for a ride," Legolas said longingly. "Will you escort me, Qui?"

**Your father has forbidden you to wander far from home in case anyone else tries to get into Mirkwood. I am sure he would have my head if I did what you have asked and something happened to you** Qui said. **As your guardian I am bound to keep you from harm and that is what I will do**

Legolas sighed. "You are not any fun at all. Do you think the others will be back soon?" he asked.

**I am sure they will return as fast as possible** Qui signed. **Syri has never failed to keep her word and I am sure Aragorn will also keep his**

Legolas nodded and got up. "I am ready to go inside now," he said. "Are you sure we cannot go for a ride?"

Qui shook his head then stood as well and they walked back to the palace together.

**Meanwhile**

Aragorn and the twins were packing their gear while the troops were getting ready before heading for Mirkwood. Elrond had agreed to send a troop of one hundred and fifty to aid Thranduil. He hadn't wanted Elrohir and Elladan to go, but they had insisted so he had finally agreed they could. Aragorn hoped that Syri and Boromir were having good fortune as well. Mirkwood needed all the help it could get.

Syri and Boromir were all ready on their way back to Mirkwood long with a troop of one hundred and twenty Lorien fighters. They both hoped it would be enough. Boromir was especially nervous. He knew how many troops Minas Tirith could muster.

Syri looked at him. "You have been quiet, what is wrong?" she asked.

"Minas Tirith will send a large force, we will be outnumbered. We will have to use any tricks and advantages we can seize if we want to win," he said.

Syri nodded. "Legolas' folk know every inch of Mirkwood that will give them an advantage over Minas Tirith's troops. They just have to exploit it as much as possible," she said.

Boromir managed to smile and nod, but he was still concerned.

Finally all the troops were assembled and ready to go. Elrond moved up to speak to them. "May the valor guide you and protect you all. Elladan, Elrohir and Aragorn, you all be careful. I have all ready lost my wife. I do not wish to lose my sons as well," he said.

"Do not worry, father, we will be fine. We just cannot sit here and do nothing. Legolas is our friend and we must help anyway we can," Elrohir said.

"I understand, go, Mirkwood needs your aid now," Elrond said.

They mounted and rode out of Rivendell and headed for Mirkwood with Aragorn and the twins at their head.

**Back In Lothlorien**

Galadriel poured crystal clear water into her mirror and stared into it, waiting for something to show. She watched the possible fate intently and as it revealed itself a single teardrop slid down her face…..

I love doing cliffies!!! R/R please!!