Dragonfly: Glad you like the story. I worried it would drag out but evidently its flowing nicely. I've gotten some nice comments about it and only two flames, which I deleted. And Illandriul is protective over anyone that is timid and especially someone who came from the horrible background that Amrungil did. Hope you enjoy this chapter as well.

Faith: I had to end it there cause I'm an evil vile woman that loves to leave readers hanging and gasping and wondering. Cruel way to get kicks but until I'm successful in my Elf hunts, it will do. LOL  And yes I am currently attending collage to get my Literary degree to write professionally. Thank you for your wonderful words! Legolas was tortured yes, but if you recall in a previous chapter, his wounds were already well mended and would be completely gone in a matter of days, so no one really fussed about it. He feared for  Yarna cause he believed her to be fully human, but thanks to his healing skills though minimal and the aspa plant, her elven  heritage took over and healed her up nicely as well. Don't want to linger in pain and scarring. :D And as for HP6.. I'm already bouncing on my feet to get it.. I feel like Fudge! Lol

Supergurl15: Cliffhangers are my specialty… I live for cliffies and character torture and moral/ethical growth. EG

Littlesaiyangirl: The guard wasn't going to rape Amrungil. He was going to take her off the Elven land and probably beat the crap outta her… dunno.. You'll have to read this chapter to find out what happens next. giggles And that's just so funny of you beating up on the guard like that.. maybe Amrungil could take some self defense lessons from ya? LOL

Amlugwen: According to the guide I have, Legolas means "leaves' and his surname is Greenleaf, hence why Gandalf shouts "Legolas Greenleaf" when he goes to head into the Fangorn forest upon seeing the eyes and movement. Gandalf called him his full name, so unless he was just practicing elvish to English to confuse us, I think its his full name. :D Savvy?

Outlawgirl108: thank you! It had you crying? I'm sorry… Hope you like this chappie as well!

Musicstarlover: blushes Thank you SO much! I really didn't think anyone would like this story and its been a pleasant surprise. Hope you like this chapter and it puts ya mind to rest. :D

Tithen min: Thanks so much for dropping me a line and letting me know how much you like this story. I do try to think of twists and turns and keep my audience guessing. Hope this chapter gives ya another spin!

Faila Gamgee of Sandy Downs: hehe… I like the torture.. keeps ya on ya toes and guessing! Sorry it took so long to get this posted but as you figured, FFnet is being a biznitch lately. Hope ya like this one as well!

Oracle: your in the minority for not hating me cause of cliffies. LOL Sory to take so long but ff.net is acting up and you know how they like to toil.

Frodo: Who said Amrungil cant die? Hehe  Yes, she is having thoughts of the sea, but never really understood what it was, it was all subconsciously ebbing at her. Elrond's personal servant knew her because he has been there at the Last Homely House for far longer than just about anyone else, save for Elrond and his advisors. Elladan and Elrohir don't know of her because Elrond kept parts of his past secret I mean he was married to a mortal for crying out loud and she was born LONG before they were. Elrond married their mother later on, probably a century or two after the death of his first wife. Hope that clears things up. If not, email me and I will try to map out something… course I'm dyslexic so bear with me. :D

Friendoflegolas: Thanks! Glad you liked it!

Faeriequeen: Legolas doesn't get recruited, he joins the fellowship of his own free will, but this story leads up to that point but doesn't include it. :D Hope that makes sense.

Pirate-chicha: Ahoy savvy! I just returned from my fifth screening of ye stated flick. Though a bit heavy on the drawl it is worse on ye ol' drool buckets. The ocean deepens when a certain lad appears and captures the heart of not only the bonny lass, but also of every female that breaths. :D Avast indeed!

Nomad: Thanks for ya review! Check out the reply to Amlugwen to answer ya question. Hope you like this chapter as well.

Gwyn: Oh no, didn't think ya accusing at all. :D It was understood as a 'point out' to let me privy on the info about where NOT to go. :D Hope you like this chapter… its gonna be fun! :D

Sara: I try to update regularly but FF.net is not always willing. Hope you get to read this chapter without further incidents.

Elenillor: Oh that would be AWESOME! No worries on using the Royal Mirkwood Escort services EG Just let me read it when ya get it posted, savvy? giggles I thought it would keep things light, but yet let people know the differences still between everyone. Legolas isn't really close to humans, save Aragorn, so if a scared woman looks at him curiously after elvish is spoken, he thinks 'translate". LOL  Legolas doesn't act like a royal pain in the ass but since he IS royalty, he wont allow subordinates to address him as such. Illandriul got real mouthy and loud at him, and probably had she been in Thranduils court, she would have been flogged for her brazen actions. Glad ya liked how the name makes sense… took me forever to throw that one together! LOL Hope you like this chapter! And as for the rape part, Yarna had human in her, and since she didn't know she was immortal or capable of having that choice, she wouldn't know how to choose death. She was told she was cursed to live a long life of servitude, so that's basically what she accepted and lived for. And some of her masters were nice, promised freedom and such, so she still had a spark of hope of being let free. Hope that explains things…. And I cant wait for ya mail!

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Chapter Twelve

A single second lasted an eternity, to which all time seemed to slow down and revolve around every clarifying detail, every last detail etched perfectly into time.

Amrungil's heart pounding painfully slow against her ribs, echoing like a bass drum into her ears, thrumming in a almost steadfast beat that couldn't possibly have allowed life to continue. The heat of the day lost in a void that only allowed the cold, icy grip of certain death to cling about the air, freezing the lungs and numbing the limbs as the mind shut down from the chilled intrusion.

The sentries hand drew back in aching slowness as breath seemed to pull sluggishly into Amrungil's body, tensed and poised for the inevitable. With a snarl, the knife edge began its descent towards the exposed flesh, ready to ravage it, carve it up, and spill the precious life blood flowing within.

The stroke never fell.

Within the blink of an eye, a strong, lithe hand intercepted the blow and rebounded the energy back onto its originator, burying the dagger deep into an unsuspecting thigh.

Legolas spun the attacking elf around as he staggered from the pain lancing through his leg, and easily downed the elf with one strike to the sensitive area behind the elf's ear, rendering him unconscious. Amrungil's eyes opened hesitantly and focused on the elf standing triumphantly over an unconscious form, blonde hair flayed out and blue eyes burning so intensely heat could have been felt radiating off of them. She blinked distantly, her mind simply shutting down from the sensory overload it was now going through.

"LORD ELROND!" Legolas shouted, knowing that Elrond would hear any summons in Rivendell, no matter the distance.

Within a few seconds, Elrond raced down the corridor, flanked by his sons and several other elves, Illandriul included. His eyes quickly swept the scene, taken in the unconscious form of one of Rivendell's honorable guards, Legolas standing defensively over the prone form, and Amrungil flattened against the wall with wide eyes, trembling form, and a deep bruise forming on her face.

"Amrungil, are you alright?" Elrond asked quietly.

No answer came forth. Amrungil stood transfixed, her eyes wide and staring at nothingness, her mouth open but no breath could be detected. She looked as if she had been frozen in time. No breathing, no blinking, no alertness whatsoever.

Legolas moved aside when several guardian elves came forward to raise the unconscious sentry. He watched them closely and explained to the Elven Lord, "The knife buried within him was positioned at your daughter's throat. If she had not cried out, I would not have found her in time."

"Amrungil?" Lord Elrond asked again, lowering his voice to a mere whisper, "Amrungil, please answer me."

Illandruil made to go to Amrungil's side, but Legolas threw her a sharp look and nodded she remain where she was. She glared at the prince but obeyed.

Legolas watched Amrungil stare out, her eyes unfocused, and her body showing no signs of life. Quietly he walked towards her, his hands gently lying on her forearms, and lowered his head to look into her eyes, "Amrungil, you are safe. Please, tell me what happened."

Amrungil slowly lowered her lids, her breath hitching in her chest as she fought to control the wave of nausea and confusion that threatened to boil over inside her.

"Leave us," Elrond ordered those gathered around. The guards began to carry the unconscious sentry away, Illadriul reluctantly joining them. When Elrond noticed his sons still watching, he turned to them, his face growing stern, "I said to leave us. See to it that Trinduil is cared for, but is to remain under guards until I instate his punishment."

Elladan, Elrohir, and Strider started slightly then exchanged glances. Never had their father ordered them so harshly. They nodded their obedience, and giving their father a strange look, retreated down the hall.

Elrond returned his attention back to his daughter and the Prince, who was still trying to gain a response from the catatonic girl. With a silent grace that only elves possess, Elrond stood at his daughter's side and placed his hand warmly against her back, "He will never harm you again, my daughter. I will see to that."

Amrungil shuttered, tears fell down her cheeks as she melted against the two elves, "I.. I …I do not know…. Do I belong here?…"

"You are my daughter and therefore, you belong anywhere in my realm," Elrond said.

"I want to be alone," Amrungil's voice carried softly in the silence, "I need to be alone. Please."

Legolas nodded, his eyes staring hard into the face of the Elven Lord whose seemed ready to crack with grief and pain, "I will escort you to your room Milady."

Shakily, Amrungil disengaged from the arms that enclosed her, and started down the hall, following behind the Prince with her head bowed and tears falling upon the floor, leaving a trail of shining pearls in her wake.

Lord Elrond watched his daughter disappear around a corner and exhaled a deep shuddering breath. The scenario of what just happened ran through his mind over and over. His loyal guard, a guard he's known for over a millennia, had tried to harm his daughter. His long lost daughter now returned.

And now, terrified of her people. What could possess him to do such a thing and turn his loyalty away from the House he served?

The Elven Lords' eyes flared, then narrowed down with anger as he stormed down the halls of Rivendell. His steps hard and threatening and every elf in the kingdom knew that something serious was about to happen when the Elven lord famous for his composure and grace, boldly strides with enough power that every elf within miles can hear his footfalls.

Legolas remained silent as he took Amrungil back to her room, to which she was very thankful for. The events had left both confused, hurt and angry. When they arrived, Legolas opened the door and waited as Amrungil approached the threshold.

"I will be across the hall if you need me," Legolas said with a small incline of his head.

Amrungil looked at him with bloodshot eyes and nodded once in understanding and entered her room without a backwards glance.

Legolas shut her door and crossed to his room, threw open his door and unceremoniously flung himself on the large feather bed. He stared up at the ceiling, his mind lost in thoughts and emotions, the more powerful sensation of anger swelled to the surface and he gritted his teeth against the feeling. Reasons and explanations began to form though they offered little comfort.

Amrungil secured herself tightly in her bed, wrapping her blankets as snug as she could and huddled against the onslaught of emotions that threatened to overtake her.

Only days ago she had been a slave. Enduring torture, suffering through some of the worst hardships ever imaginable.

Then she met an elf.

An elf that treated her as a person instead of property, who looked after her and actually cared enough to help her to escape. An elf that turned out to be a prince and offered her refuge with his kin, and brought her to a place she never knew of, and found out about her secret parentage. A father that cared for her awaited her here. One that knew who she was, though it had been centuries since he set eyes upon her, but knew her instantly and welcomed her with open arms into his kingdom, his house, and more importantly, into his heart.

Tears fell down Amrungil's cheeks and stained her pillow as she remembered the Elven Lords face. The pain and heartache he suffered at the thought of his daughter so close, yet so far away.

And then the image of the Guardian Elf. His posture lithe and agile, his body hot and pressing. His eyes gleaming with hatred at her presence.  The sound of satisfaction in his voice as she rebelled away from him. The feeling of helplessness and the thought of being subjected to anguish beyond reckoning swelled up again, causing deep soul shattering spasms to wrack the distraught girl's body as she tried to huddle closer to the blankets.

But just as the feeling became almost too unbearable to withstand any longer, the image of a strong hand came to her defense. A hand that battled with control and precision, one that knew how to protect and defend. One that had acted on her behalf before.

She felt a sob of relief echo its way out of her, relief that seemed damned up inside. Realizing that she was finally alone, with no Elven eyes upon her, no judgments to be made, no ears to hear, Amrungil allowed herself to finally break down. Her emotions, which had been threatening to break, but never quite reaching its peak to do so, came forth in a torrent.

Long into the night she cried, soft sobs, and heart wrenching wails of grief, pain, and confusion.

And long into the night, in the adjacent room, a worried elf leaned against his door, his ears hearing every cry of despair, his eyes shut tight to prevent his own tears from falling.

Down the halls, the voice of the Elven Lord rung out, the silence that normally enshrouded the beautiful kingdom scattered to the winds. The once peaceful vale rung with pain and fear. Serenity called into the night, begging for stillness and peace once again, though none would be forthcoming to those enduring their own personal battles and wails of suffering.

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The morning sun peeked through the window, highlighting the figure swaddled in blankets. Amrungil slowly opened her eyes to a dusty pale rose flooding into her room. With her head pounding from all the thoughts and her body sore from the convulsive cries that ripped through her body the previous night, she eased herself out of bed, noting that the day was still very young as the dawn barely broke over the mountain to the north of Rivendell.

Slipping a robe from the bottom of her bed around her shoulders, she opened up her door to a pleasant silence. Vowing to remember where her room was at, she looked closely at the walls and the scenes painted expertly upon them.

To the left of her room there was a grand portrait of an elf, wearing a crown and dressed in a long flowing light blue robe. He seemed to be stern and severe, but there was a definite smile to his eyes.

Walking slowly down the hall, Amrungil gasped at the next depiction, which showed a grand battle. Bodies littered the fields; blood seemed to color the landscape. Death clung to the picture, so heavy and realistic that you could almost smell the slaughter and decay.

Putting her hand to her face, Amrumgil ventured further, studying the carved wood that lined the halls, separating murals and adding decorative borders. Her breath caught in her throat as she gazed at the next scene.

Several elves, all dressed in fine robes and wearing golden armor and headdresses, were standing in a valley, filled with flowers, trees and waterfalls. With a ping of recognition, Amrungil recognized the valley, and realized that this was a portrait of the Elves that had founded Rivendell ages ago. Her eyes lingered onto one of the Elves and found herself transfixed upon a familiar pair of gray-green eyes.

"This one is my favorite," said a soft voice.

Amrungil jumped and spun to face the speaker. She found herself facing the elf from last night's banquet. He was small in statue, fair of hair and features, and had his head bound with bandages. He was sitting in a small enclave, the morning sun falling delicately upon his features, casting a strange orange hue about him.

"I am sorry. I did not know anyone was here," she stammered.

The elf smiled and bowed his head slightly, "No reason to be sorry Milady. The halls are free to all, as is the portraits that hang on their walls. They are here to be enjoyed and treasured."

Amrungil smiled and glanced back at the painting, her eyes resting on the noble looking elf that carried a banner and had a silver crown upon his head, "When was this painted?" she asked before she could stop herself.

"I do not know Milady," the elf answered, his eyes watching the stranger with interest.

Amrungil turned back to him and smiled slightly, "Would the painter still be here?"

The elf shook his head sadly, "Nay. I believe he was killed in the Second Age, in the Last Alliance of Elves and Men."

Amrungil's eyes fell to the floor, "I would have liked to see what he would have created. He was truly talented."

"That he was, Milady," the elf answered softly. He shifted his position, wincing as he leaned further against the carved frame of the enclave.

"Are you alright?" Amrungil asked concerned.

"I will be fine," the elf said rather curtly, his expression changing to one of irritation and annoyance.

Amrungil lowered her voice and said gently, "I am sorry if I bothered you. Please, excuse my interference. I will leave you to your enjoyment of the painting."

Amrungil turned to leave, but the elf said quickly, "No! Please, stay. I did not mean to offend you, Milady."

Amrungil watched the elf carefully as he stood, his posture slightly wavering.

"I am just weary of others asking me my state of wellness," the elf continued as he stood beside Amrungil, his eyes turned onto the painting. "I do not wish Lord Elrond to worry so. He has done enough for me."

The question of why the elf would worry Lord Elrond burned on Amrungil's mind, but she thought it to intrusive and remained quiet.

"This painting reminds me of what used to be," ,he elf said sadly. "The beginning. The beginning of our time in Middle Earth. Long have we toiled here. We have given our lives to its shores and its people. We have given a new generation to it, only to have very few remain because of war and grief. These lands are no longer happy for me. I long to return home, to the Undying Lands."

"I have seen my share of grief too Master Elf," Amrungil said, her eyes lingering on the face of a strange elf in the painting. His face seemed alight with hope and assurances, his eyes full of ideas and hopes of joyous times upon the Earth. She wondered if he ever considered losing his people to the battles of others. Or the torment they would endure for their culture and differences.

"You are Lord Elronds' first daughter, are you not?" The elf asked, turning to face Amrungil.

"I do not know if I am or not. My mind asks how it can be, but my heart says that I am. I am just so unsure," Amrungil said, her eyes lingering once more on the face of the Elf Lord in the painting.

"I believe that your heart may know what your mind does not."

"What?" Amrungil asked shocked.

The elf's wizened eyes stared into Amrungil's, seeing deep into her soul, "If you doubt, allow your heart to decide. Your mind may not remember your father, but your heart will always carry him within it."

Amrungil stared at the elf for a few seconds, then turned back to the painting at a loss for words.

"Besides," the elf continued, "You have his eyes."

With a smile breaking across her face, Amrungil said, "I know."

For a long time the two stood staring at the painting, awing at the colors as they changed from pale orange to a deep rose, then to a vibrant red as the sun rose higher and cast the portrait into natural highlights.

As midmorning approached, the sounds of hurried footsteps alerted the two to the arrival of a very estranged elf Prince, his face set with worry. When his eyes fell upon the two standing by the painting, his worry disappeared, replaced instantly with relief.

"Amrungil! I have been worried about you!" Legolas panted.

"I am fine Legolas. I have been in good company," Amrungil answered.

The elf smiled and regarded the Prince, "Your Highness. I hope you are well."

Legolas recognized the elf at once and bowed his head, "I am well thank you. How are you faring?"

"I have been having a lovely discussion with Lord Elrond's daughter, and enjoying the painting of Rivendell's forefathers," the elf answered with a slight incline of his head.

"It is quite lovely," ,he Elf Prince said, his eyes studying the dimensions of the painting. "I am sorry to interrupt, but it is almost time for morning meal. Lord Elrond was concerned for Amrungil and wanted to know if she wanted to eat in her room."

Amrungil smiled at Legolas, "I do not think that is necessary. I think I would like to eat with my Father."

Legolas smiled broadly and extended his arm to Amrungil, "May I Milady?"

"Of course," she said, taking the arm of the Prince. "I need to change clothes though. I do not think it would be appropriate to wear my gown from last night after I slept in it." Amrungil turned quickly to the elf and asked, "Are you going to join us?"

The elf inclined his head, "I will shortly Milady. I must first allow the healers to interrogate me and give me a full lecture on venturing without them."

Amrungil smiled, "I will see you soon. If the healers give you any trouble, tell them you are to meet Lord Elrond and his daughter for morning meal and they do not like tardiness."

The elf smiled and bowed his head, then started in the opposite direction, his steps slowed, but still light and hardly making a noise.

When Amrungil was sure the elf was gone she asked Legolas, "You two know each other?"

Legolas's face grew grim as he escorted Amrungil to her room to change, "He was a messenger from my home of Mirkwood. Many years ago, while delivering a message from my father to Lord Elrond, he was attacked by men."

Amrungil swallowed hard and asked, "Many years ago? But, why does he still pain so?"

Legolas bright eyes were dim and shadowed as he regarded her, "The Men broke him. They broke his body and left him for dead. When he was found, he begged for death, but my father called for Lord Elrond and together, they were able to mend the damage caused."

"But, he has a bandage on his head. Is the wound not healed?"

Legolas stopped at the door to Amrungil's room and turned to her, his face sad, "He is ashamed. Ashamed of what was done to him and of what he allowed to happen."

Amrungil regarded the elf for a moment and asked slowly, "Ashamed of what happened?"

 "Many of the bones of his body were shattered. It took a long time for them to heal properly. But the worst, at least to him, was that the Men did not like differences, so they cut his ears."  Legolas lifted a long slender finger to his ear, tracing around the point, "He wears the bandage to hide the damage done, which Lord Elrond and my father could not repair. He has remained here, afraid to venture far in fear of Men. Though all wounds are long since healed, he is to remain under the strict care of the healers."

Amrungil felt a wave of pity and nausea wash over her. She could imagine the feeling of violation and helplessness that must have been suffered, having been through several forms of the torment herself.

"You must promise me something, Amrungil," Legolas said. When Amrungil nodded her understanding, he continued, "Never speak of what happened. Do not let him know that I told you. Do not ask him of his past and remind him of the pain. Please."

Amrungil shook her head in compliance and disappeared into her room to change. While she changed her gown, her mind raced at what it must be like for an elf to hide himself from those around him because of what someone else had done to him. As she dressed, thoughts and feelings intertwined, then paralleled her own life with that of the other elf's. The understanding of what he was going through, and his feelings, made hers that much more clearer, and a new sense of self emerged.

When she returned to the Prince's side, dressed and freshened up, she smiled, and realized her life seemed to be in brighter focus. The turmoil over the past few days seemed to melt away, and things began to click into place as doubts and troubles dissolved.

As the two made their entrance, Amrungil gazed around the room. People dotted along the two long tables that faced a grand table that seated Lord Elrond and his sons, who were currently engaging in rather rough horseplay.

One twin had the other locked into a hold that restricted his movements, which were being directed by the human brother, who had a strange gleam in his eye. The room erupted with laughter and threats as both twins ended up flat on the floor, tangled together, and their human brother laughing at their ill attempt.

Legolas motioned towards the end of the large table that seated Elrond and explained, "You may sit anywhere you wish."

Amrungil turned to the Prince; her eyes bright for the first time since the Elf Prince met her and replied, "I would like to sit by my father."

Legolas's eyes widened, then a huge grin broke over his face as he escorted her to the main table.

Lord Elrond laughed at his sons, shaking his head and asking what curse was put upon him for enduring such childish behavior. His laughter was cut short when Amrungil stood by his side. He glanced up to her face, which was unreadable, then rose from his seat and bowed his head slightly.

"I am sorry for the confrontation and hurt that was caused to you. I do not wish you any more grief than what you already bear. Please, if there is anything you wish for, all you need do is ask," Lord Elrond said.

"There is one thing I would like," Amrungil said, letting go of Legolas's arm and staring straight into familiar gray-green eyes. When Lord Elrond nodded, she added, "I wish… for my father to hold me."

With his eyes full of tears, the Elven Lord wrapped his arms around his daughter and held her tightly against him. The room was instantly quiet, even the twins stopped threatening their human brother as they watched their father embrace Amrungil.

Minutes passed, though it seemed only seconds when Elrond pulled away from his daughter, his face as bright as the sun itself. He called for the best wine brought from the storehouses, the best dishes prepared, the best songs to be sung by the most talented of Rivendell.

Amrungil laughed and stared at her father, her heart so full of love she felt it may burst. She was stunned when the Elven Twins and their human brother approached and embraced her, welcoming her openly into their homes and hearts, and slightly dismayed at the promise of their practical jokes. Though earlier she felt threatened and wary of them, she felt a strange connection to the band of brothers, and wondered if it was what normal families felt for one another.

Amrungil seated herself by Lord Elrond, his twins on his other side. Legolas sat on Amrungil's other side, beside him, sat Strider, who was avoiding his twin brothers since they remembered their previous feud and began to threaten him again.

After the food was served, Amrungil noticed a small elf enter and take a seat at the far end of the hall, his head bound. He smiled up at her nodded his head and began to eat.

Amrungil's attention was drawn back to her table as one of the twins threatened Strider with a firm lashing when he was mended.

Legolas interrupted their argument, "All is well, Strider, they will not hurt you while your father is watching."

Strider's face flushed red as he glared at the Elf Prince, "I do not need Ada to look after me. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

"Better watch how you phrase that Brother," a twin taunted, "You are perfectly capable of putting yourself IN trouble."

"Shut up, Elladan," Strider snapped, scowling at his brother.

"Yeah, he may have to get Father to take up for him," Elrohir teased.

Strider stuck his tongue out at his brothers from down the table, "I do not need father to take up for me. If I am not much mistaken, I am the one that has to take up for the two of you!" Legolas sniggered and Strider glanced at him and added, "And you too, Prince Troublemaker!!"

"Do not get me into your argument Human!" Legolas snapped playfully. "I do not think Lord Elrond needs another childish elf or human at his table."

Elrond shook his head and said in a rather high voice, "You four will give me gray hair!"

"Oh, Father! That would be a great look on you!" Elrohir chimed in with a grin.

Elrond put his head in his hand and sighed, "Kids."

Amrungil snickered and watched the twins get into an argument about who should get first crack at hurting Strider. She wondered how she will fit in with this bunch, or how Elrond still keeps his sanity. Her attention was drawn away when Strider asked if anyone was up to a friendly competition his voice mocking and full of mirth.

"Come on She-Elves. Do not let the human frighten you," Strider chided. "We will make the rules simple this time."

Elladan scoffed, "Good, then maybe YOU can understand them!"

"Great!" Strider nearly shouted. "Legolas and myself against you two!"

"Oh no!" Legolas shook his head and held up his hands dismissively. "Do not go volunteering me, Strider. I have learned my lesson of having you as a teammate."

"Oh come on, you are not still holding the waterfall incident against me, are you?" Strider asked innocently.

Legolas's cheeks turned a slight pink as he busied himself with his plate, "We are not going to talk about that."

Amrungil watched the pink patches on the Prince's cheeks grow and prodded, "What waterfall incident?"

"YEAH!?" chimed in the twins in union with a bit too much enthusiasm.

Strider's voice was dramatic and full of amusement, "Oh, he did not tell you?"

"Shut up, Strider," Legolas warned.

The twins leaned over the table to get a better look at the now fully blushing crimson Prince and egged Strider on.

Legolas turned brilliant blue eyes upon the human next to him and said in a low threatening voice, "Do not even think it Human, or I will have to punish you."

Strider patted the Elf Prince on the shoulder and nodded with a straight face. "I completely understand, Legolas."

The elf prince inclined his head in appreciation and returned to his plate.

"I mean, if the world had found out that I fell off a waterfall, and got snagged  on a branch and had my leggings hiked up while I swayed in the breeze, I would be embarrassed too!" Strider blurted out and beat a hasty retreat from the table as the Elf Prince's eyes grew huge and the others at the table burst out in laughter.

Legolas turned to Elrond and said with a voice even and sincere, "Lord Elrond, I regret to inform you that I must severely hurt your son. I may not leave much to be recognized."

Elrond collected himself after laughing so hard tears pooled in his eyes, "It is quite understandable, Prince Legolas. As I understand, there is already a list started on who gets to him first. I suggest you use your influence to be first in line."

"ADA!" Strider yelled from across the room, not believing what the elf lord had just said. "I thought you would take up for me, afterall, I am only mortal!"

"Ah, but you said so yourself my dear son, you can take care of yourself," Elrond answered then broke out into laughter again as Elrohir sprinted from the table towards his brother yelling, "Get his legs first!"

"And be sure to tell them about the time you grabbed that snake and it bit you high on the upper thigh," Legolas taunted after the now screaming human fleeing from his Elven brothers.

"What?" Elrond's eyes reflected his mirth and surprise.

"On a hunting trip, Strider thought it fun to play a trick on us with a dead snake. Unfortunately he did not realize that there is more than one snake in the world and he grabbed a live one by mistake. It did not like being treated so roughly and bit the only place it could," Legolas's grin turned wicked. "It bit him HIGH on the upper thigh."

"My goodness!" Amrungil gasped. "Was it poisonous?"

"No," Legolas said matter of factly, then turned and flashed another demented smile, "But we felt he needed a lesson, so we insisted it was poisonous, and that he needed to do some necessary precautions to prevent it from spreading."

Elrond inwardly sighed, but asked against his better judgment, "What were the precautions or do I want to know?"

Legolas's grin faded and a slight pink hue tinged his cheeks again, "They were completely harmless Lord Elrond, but highly embarrassing and not fit for polite conversation and the company of ladies."

Elrond rolled his eyes skyward, and held back the laughter that wanted to burst out of his chest. He had known some of the things his Elven sons had tormented their human counterpart with, and could only imagine the scenarios that involved the Prince, who was older and much more mature and childish in his paybacks and 'innocent pranks'. And truth be told, the Elf Prince had a knack for never getting caught or leaving evidence to his guilt for those to find.

A loud shout echoed down the hall resounding the fact that the twins had caught their younger brother and was doing some fairly loud revenge on him. Elrond sighed, shaking his head and raised his voice, knowing full well his sons would hear him.

"If Strider has reopened wounds, or has suffered any more injuries, the ones responsible will face MY consequences!"

Silence broke out over the room. Eyes wondered, ears perked, and breaths seem to come at a slow even pace.

Quietly, one by one, Lord Elrond's sons filed back into the room. Elrohir sporting a new hair style that resembled a porcupine, Elladan rubbing his chin where a small bruise was beginning to form, and Strider, stumbling awkwardly and favoring his sore shoulder and a bruising eye. Each went to their seats as gentle as the wind on the meadows, not daring to look their father in the eye.

Elrond glared at his children in a look of clear paternal un-approval. "Finished?"

"Yes Ada," the trio chimed in, sounding quite remorseful.

Amrungil smiled at the scene, then turned to see Legolas watching her. She cast him a curious look, one that he answered with a small smile and bow of his head. The two continued their conversation with the Elven Lord long into the mid-afternoon.

As the day wore on, Amrungil learned of her mother, the history of Rivendell, and of her new family, and was especially interested in hearing the overview of the human now claimed by the elves as one of their own.

Lord Elrond skirted around the details of Striders' parentage, only giving brief descriptions and telling mostly of the times the human had growing up surrounded by Elven kind. Strider remained silent at his adopted father's side, laughing at some of his childhood antics and focusing on his plate when the subject of his parents were discussed.

When the food was cleared and stomachs full and satisfied, people began to leave the great hall, mingling about, talking avidly about what transpired the past few days, and attending to the regular duties and spreading the new gossip.

Elrond rose from the table and held out his arm to his daughter. Amrungil smiled and allowed the Elven Lord to escort her around the grounds, walking slowly and talking about the things they have witnessed, encountered, and would some day like to see. Amrungil's heart soared as her father talked about the Undying Lands, and the perfection that awaited across the sea.

As the two walked the grounds of Rivendell, the twins and human had started on their taunting once again, this time accompanied by the Elf Prince, who was telling everyone details of a certain snakebite in a compromising place. After threats and retaliation were issued, the four retreated out onto the grounds to prevent further injury and possible punishment by the Elven Lord.

All during the teasing and horseplay, Legolas kept a watchful eye and open ear for Amrungil. Though he knew she was safe with the Elven Lord, he had learned that even Rivendell was not as protected as he first believed it to be. Any sign of dismay or danger, the elf Prince was ready, and would come to her aide as fast as he possibly could.

Amrungil learned of her half sister, who was visiting her grandparents in another Elven realm. She learned that Elrond's most trusted advisors were traveling abroad, gathering and bartering with foreign tradesmen for ingredients for Elrond's healing storehouses.

"Ah, Glorfindel will be most pleased to see you return," Elrond smiled.

"He knew of my mother?" Amrungil asked with a smile that seemed a permanent fixture upon her face.

"It was he who helped bring you into the world," Elrond gestured to a bench hidden in a leafy alcove and continued when they had seated themselves comfortably, "Your mother had difficulty during your birth. Glorfindel aided us during her labor, and helped me prepare medicine for her weariness and pain.  He had never witnessed the miracle of life before and after holding you in his arms, immediately became your second father."

"My second father?" Amrungil gasped in shock.

"He would rarely leave your side, young one," Elrond said, his mind drifting back to the times he would awaken to find the Elf Warrior cradling the bundle in his arms and sleeping peacefully in the nursery. "It took him some time to understand how babies grow and develop. It took him a full two months to realize one does not play with a child that has just eaten. Though sometimes I wondered if you did not enjoy decorating him with your dinner."

Amrungil groaned and placed her hand over her mouth, "How awful!"

"No, it was very amusing," Elrond laughed, then his face turned saddened and drawn, "He was so devoted to you, that after you were thought lost, he spent the next decade roaming through the forest and mountains looking for any clue as to where you had gone. He simply could not believe you were gone."

"Then I shall have to surprise him,"  Amrungil smiled, "Shall I eat plenty to continue my tradition?"

Elrond looked slightly stunned, then laughter burst from him, echoing all around the alcove and lifting into the trees high above. The sound melodious and heartfelt as it wound its way around to those within earshot.

As the sun faded, its golden light turning into a rose tint, and touching the mountains with splashes of coral and red the whole of Rivendell was privy to the return of Lord Elrond's daughter and her acceptance at her heritage.  Rumors of her past and reluctance to join the elves became vivid and imaginative, some becoming more so with each retelling.

Elrond had taken Amrungil several circuits around the beautiful wooden place; those they passed bowed their heads and then whispered as the two disappeared from sight. As the day wore on into night, something nagged at the back of Amrungil's mind, a question she could no longer refrain from asking.

"Father, that elf that attacked me…. What became of him?"

Elrond's face became stony, unreadable, "He was banished."

"Banished? From Rivendell?" Amrungil's voice wavered a bit, but she fought to keep it steady.

"He has been banished from Elven kind everywhere. No elf may talk to him or take him in. He is an outcast, branded a threat and unworthy of sanctuary. He is to roam freely about Middle Earth, never to return to any Elven refuge or journey to the Undying Lands." Lord Elrond's tone was clipped and rough.

"He can never go home?" Amrungil asked sadly.

"No. He has done a great injustice. He may never journey on the sea."

Amrungil remained silent as they walked back to the main center of Rivendell. Her mind rationalized that the elf had deserved his punishment. His actions warranted death in many cultures, but somehow, the thought of him being banished from his own people, to never set foot on the paradise that beckoned him from across the sea, in some strange way, it felt wrong to inflict such a punishment.

Night descended like an inky cloud over Rivendell, its presence seeming smothering out the heavens that shined brightly with stars. The darkness seemed more foreboding, crueler, harsher. Maybe it was the feeling of loneliness, or abandonment, or even just plain pity for the elf, but Amrungil's heart weighed heavily in her chest as she went to her room to change for dinner banquet.

As her door closed, Amrungil's thoughts saturated her mind. She did not see the figures hiding in shadow, laying in wait to strike out on the unsuspecting.

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AN: There is one, maybe two chapters left and then it's a lovely break for me and then a weekly posting of some short ficcies until I can get this beast of a LONG fic tamed a bit.

I just wanted to thank each and every one of the lovely people who review and let me know what they think. giant squishie hugs to all and an elf in thanks You all are just wonderful! Couldn't ask for better support and encouragement!

Sorry it took so long to post this chapter but I have VERY busy with work and then feeling rather under the weather. I hope to not make ya wait for the next posting for long, but do forgive me if its not as fast as you would like. Alas, FF.net, work, illness, and just daily chores don't give enough time for one to enjoy the stretches of their imagination and the feedback that lovely people give them.