PLEASE READ THE AUTHOR NOTES! There might be something important in it!

Author's Note: Hey all! I am SO SORRY it took me so long to update! My sister just got married, and she lives in NJ, so I was up there a lot last month! But I do plan to try and post more often! But I'm not gonna promise, b/c if there is just one thing that I hate, it's an author who promises to update faster and does not! But I can promise to do my best! ::smiles:: This chapter is a lot shorter from last one, but that is why it was posted a lot faster! Hehe, I hope you enjoy! Oh, and go see X2! IT rox! Hehe, ciao all!

Special Thanks: To Mel! My most awesome beta reader! You rock! And I always look forward to signing on during the day and chatting w/ u! You're one of my best online friends, and my favorite Orli rape-plotting (And Kate killer) partner that I have! Lol! Thanks for agreeing to beta my story! You do such an AWESOME job! And I love the Orli story! ::smiles:: And once again yall, her pen name on FF.net is "Melanie". If you have a love for Leggy torture, or just a great read, I recommend her stories! They are some of the best FF work I have EVER read! And/Or if you'd like to check out her new Orli story (The Price of Fame) Go here!   It rox! And I'm in it! ::grins:: So go check it out! And be sure to let Mel know what you think of it! Thanks for EVERYTHING Mel! You rock my socks! ::smiles::

And to all my reviewers! You guys rock! P.L.R.R.4.J.C.!!!

Disclaimer: Ok, I do not own anything Tolkien! And while I use names such as Estel, and Nienna…the creation of those names are COMPLETELY his! I only made up the characters to go with them! So please don't sue, the only thing of value that you MIGHT get out of it, is my computer…and even it can be a piece of crap sometimes! Thanks! And enjoy!

The Plains of Rohan

Chapter Three:

Tempers, And Anger

Nienna was awakened by the gentle voice of her best friend, beckoning her to wake. She smiled as she blinked the haze from her eyes. Her smile, however quickly faltered when she saw that she was lying under a canopy of trees rather then the usual beauty of her bedroom ceiling.

She gasped and sat up quickly, only to be welcomed by a sharp pain in her lower back. She groaned miserably as she placed her hand to the small of her back, and rubbed tenderly. She then heard the sound of a gentle chuckle that she knew could only belonged to one being. Shooting an annoyed look at Estel who was on his heels at her side, she narrowed her eyes. His elbows rested on his thighs, and he rested his chin on the backs of his clasped hands.

"Good morning tithen-pen! We are fortunate this morn, for Anor shines brightly, and has blessed us with the warmth of her rays," he said, grinning at her.

Nienna did not change her sour expression as she tried to stand. "By Elbereth, I cannot stand! What in all Valinor has happened to me," she exclaimed as she slumped back in defeat. For the first time in her life she felt heavy, and every muscle in her body ached.

Estel laughed as he took her hands and stood while pulling her to her feet as well. She wavered a little, but he placed his arms around her so she would not fall.

"Luinfalath is what happened to you." He explained, "…You fell asleep not too long after we passed the palace borders. After many hours of riding, I thought I should be a good friend and let you rest while lying down."

"Well, I thank thee kind sir, for now I am prisoner to a back that feels broken, arms that seem as if they are near to falling off, and a backside that feels as if it has been kicked from the length of the Shire - to Mordor!"

Estel laughed and turned to his bags that were slung over the back of Luinfalath. He rummaged through one before pulling out some clothing. "Here, you may change in the woods, I will not look," he said as he held them out to her.

Nienna just stared at them for a while, until Estel grew tired of holding them out, and shook them vigorously at her. Sighing, she reached for the articles of clothing, but then looked down at them in distaste.

"They are not even my color," she complained.

Estel sighed as he threw them at her. "Rubbish, they are blue. They will do well in bringing out your eyes. Now stop complaining and go!" He shooed her off into the woods and smiled when he heard an exasperated sigh escape her.

"So, are we still in Mirkwood," she conversed from behind the tree that she had selected.

"Aye," Estel replied as he knelt down to roll up the blanket that he had laid down for Nienna to sleep on. "But barely. There is a small village a little outside of Mirkwood. We shall stop there, for I was not planning on you coming along, and therefore I fear that not enough food was packed."

"Uh huh, and how do you know of this village?" He heard the tree ask.

"My atar told me of it," he answered simply.

Nienna poked her head from around the massive oak trunk. "You mean to tell me that your atar knows of this little…outing of yours?"

Estel nodded and smiled. "Aye, where else would I get such attire?" He stood and turned in a circle to let Nienna see him fully.

She only raised an eyebrow before her head disappeared back behind the tree again. "This thing is far too large."

"Come little Nien, let's have a look." He stood tall and crossed his arms across his broad chest.

He heard her groan, but still she emerged from behind the tree, with a clear pout on her face. A very wide grin spread across Estel's face as his eyes scanned her up and down. The leggings, being naturally fitting, were not too bad on her, but the tunic, however, reached a little past her knees, and since it was made for a male, the shoulders were a little too broad for her slim ones.

She crossed her arms and glared at him. "I hope you are finding great joy in this," she said bitterly as she picked up her nightdress and walked angrily over to him.

"I am, thank you." Estel's smile widened as he held out a leather belt to her.

She sighed and looked down at it.

"I thank thee sir," she said in a monotonous voice.

Estel bowed swiftly and when he lifted, Nienna caught the sparkle of mirth in his bright green orbs. This of course, brightened her mood and she gave into a smile of her own.

She tied the belt around her slim waist, since it of course was also too large, and then pushed up the sleeves of the morning colored tunic, as to make it not appear so large. She let out a sigh and pushed some strands of golden locks out of her face.

"Well, that will have to do."

Estel laughed. "All is well little Nien…I think you look adorable," he teased over his shoulder as he turned and lunged weightlessly into a nearby tree.

"You will regret that last statement! What are you doing," she asked up the tree.

"Scouting."

"For what?"

"Enemies."

"Great stars Estel, we are still in Mirkwood for Elbereth's sake! There hasn't been an enemy in these parts for centuries!" She placed her hands on her slender hips and stared up into the tree.

Estel glared down at her, but continued his scouting.

"Aye, maybe not in Mirkwood, but as I said before…we are at the edge of Mirkwood, soon to pass out of it. I thought it smart to scout out that area before running foolishly wild through it."

"Well, you should have thought of those dangers before you set out on this crazed journey, and bringing me along with you," Nienna stated flatly.

Suddenly, Estel dropped down beside her with a look of anger burning in his eyes.

"If I do recall correctly my dear little Nien, I wasn't exactly begging you to come along now was I?" Estel regretted the comment just as soon as it had left his lips, but there was nothing he could do about it.

Anger burst aflame in Nienna's cool blue eyes, and she set her jaw, ready to tear out his heart and stomp on it. Estel was no fool; he knew exactly what was going to happen next.

"Well, my dear prince…"

Estel flinched at the title and the coldness of the manner in which she had said it. He never liked Nienna to address him as such, and she only did so on such occasions.

"I am sorry if you feel obligated of my presence! But fear not, for I would rid you of them immediately!" And with that she turned on her heals and began to walk back deeper into the forest.

Estel rolled his eyes as he turned and mounted Luinfalath's bare back swiftly before turning her around to follow Nienna. "Where are you going," he asked as he brought Luinfalath to walk slowly behind her.

"Home," she stated simply.

"And how are you even certain that the path that you are taking now is the correct way to home?" Estel stilled his mare when Nienna suddenly stopped. A small smile caressed his lips as he watched her with amusement dancing in his eyes. She looked around for a moment, and finally making up her mind, began to walk in another direction.

Estel continued to follow her for a little while before he sighed. "Come now Nien. If you keep this up you are liable to make me lost as well."

He heard her sigh, and then she stopped. She turned to face him and crossed her arms.

"Are we through venting," he asked.

Nienna rolled her eyes and walked up to Luinfalath. Estel smiled as he reached down and took hold of her arm. He hoisted her up behind him, and turned his horse about. Coaxing the snow-white mare into a cantor.

"You know I really hate you sometimes," she revealed.

Estel's smile widened and he turned slightly on the horses back as so he could look at her. "Aye, and at times I you. 'Tis a good thing that we truly love each other." He winked at her and Nienna couldn't help the smile that spread across her pretty face, or the soft laugh to escape her lips.

She slugged him playfully in the back, before she placed her arms around his waist, and rested her chin on his shoulder as they rode on in silence.

*~*~*~*

"Legolas!" Nevethiriel burst into her husband's study chambers, where he now sat busy in reading of his scrolls.

He looked up in surprise at her outburst, and immediately dropped the scroll he held in his hands before he stood swiftly just in time for her to fling herself into his arms.

"What is it melima? What ails you," Legolas asked with concern clearly ringing in his voice as he pulled back from the tight embrace, and grabbed hold of her arms. He was shocked to see tears running down her pale face, and right away his mind went wild with thoughts of what could have happened to her.

"Estel is gone…" she said painfully.

At once Legolas regretted helping his son to leave. He had not thought of his wife's reaction when she realized her only son was nowhere to be found.

"Are you certain of this amelamin," Beloved he asked as he took her face into his hands in a comforting manor.

"Aye, a servant found this in his chambers. Also, Luinfalath is missing." She held out a somewhat crumbled piece of paper and Legolas took it from her.

It was the note that Estel had written for Nienna. It stated that he had left on a long journey, and that he was sorry he could not tell her; but that he hopped she would understand why he could not.

Legolas closed his eyes briefly and toyed with the thought of telling his wife. Finally, he let out a heavy sigh and thought it better he had. She was, after all, his mother.

"Neveth, mela, please take a seat. There is something I must tell you."

Nevethiriel stared at him. She didn't like the look on his face. It said that he had something to tell her that she would not like, and would probably want to strangle him for.

"No thank you Legolas, I think I will stand." She crossed her arms and saw him swallow hard.

"Well, you see melima…I just might happen to know the location of where our dearest son is heading," he said cautiously.

Nevethiriel raised her brows, but beckoned him silently to continue.

Legolas cleared his throat that was now uncommonly dry, and plastered on a nervous smile. "For you see…I might have taken some part of helping him leave."

"How much of a part?"

Legolas all of a sudden became very scared of his wife. The tone in her voice did not seem her own. Great stars! He had faced countless orcs, goblins, trolls, and even a Balrog and had never felt as nervous as he did now.

"All of it," he said as more of a question then an answer.

Her face fell, and a look came into her eyes that Legolas had not expected. He saw sadness, and at once hated himself. He hated seeing that emotion dwell in her, and yet he had caused it.

"Where? Where has he gone?"

Legolas sighed sadly and hung his head slightly.

"To the plains of Rohan."

He heard her gasp, but then suddenly there was a knock on the door, and the being that stood behind it did not wait for an answer before he strode in. Legolas looked up at Nevethiriel, who had a look of shock on her face before meeting the gaze of his best friend who stopped just beside her.

"Forgive me Legolas, but I am in desperate need of my daughter and was wondering if you might know where Estel is? For Nienna can usually always be found at his side…"

Nevethiriel gasped again in realization, and once again Legolas closed his eyes. Oh valar…what had he gotten himself into?

"…And yet I cannot even find him," Nurtaur finished slowly while eyeing Nevethiriel after her sudden gasp.

Legolas opened his eyes once again and caught the gaze of his wife.  His eyes pleaded, and even though she would have rather smacked him silly, she decided to save him.

She cleared her throat and turned to Nurtaur. "I am afraid, my dear Nurtaur, that neither I nor Legolas are entirely certain of Estel's whereabouts at this present time…" she said truthfully, for they indeed were not certain of where on Middle-earth he was.

"Oh alright then. Forgive my intrusion." And he turned to leave, but Nevethiriel stopped him.

"Uh Nurtaur…"

He turned and bowed slightly. "My lady?"

"Legolas and I request the presence of you and your wife in the main garden. There is a matter in which we must speak with you on. 'Tis very important."

Legolas groaned and Nurtaur shot him a questioning look.

"As you wish, my lady." He bowed again and then turned and left.

Nevethiriel turned back to Legolas with a frown on her pretty face. He was leaning against his massive desk and held his head in one of his hands. The other rested beside him on the dark wood of his desk.

"Believe me melima…I had no intention of hurting you. You know that I would die first before afflicting any kind of pain upon you purposely," he whispered softly.

Immediately, all anger melted away, leaving only sadness. She slowly walked up to him, and took the hand that held his head into her own then lifted his chin with her other until his sorrowful eyes met hers.

"This I know Legolas, it's just…the thought of Estel out there in a world that he has not seen; even in his 500 years of birth… It scares me." Her eyes welled up with tears again, and upon seeing this Legolas took his wife into his strong arms and held her to him as he comforted her.

She pulled away from him after a little while and looked up at him. "We must tell Nurtaur and Nevduliniel."

Legolas sighed and nodded his head. "Aye…We do."

*~*~*~*

"We are so sorry…" Nevethiriel tried desperately to comfort her friend as she cried.

The two couples were now sitting on two beautifully stone-carved benches that were set in the midst of the main garden.  Legolas and Nevethiriel had just finished telling the other two of the whereabouts of their children.

Nurtaur stood swiftly and began to pace around the small clearing. The anger that was burning inside of him was very evident in his long strides. He began to mumble and curse softly in the Elvish tongue, and his mind seemed far off in angry thoughts.

Legolas sighed and stood as well, though far more calm.

"Nurtaur, forgive me…" he started, but stopped suddenly when Nurtaur whirled around releasing a sharp sound of anger to cut the other blonde Elf off. The anger in the gaze that he directed towards Legolas stunned the king to no end. Never before had his best friend looked at him in such a way.

"Nay, Legolas! 'Twas folly and cruel to keep such a thing from me - from us!" He gestured roughly to his wife who looked on the verge of bursting into tears again. Nurtaur was mad with fury and did not think twice before letting his temper consume him whole. "But I do not blame you no, I blame myself. I blame myself for even letting Nienna take company with such a disrespectful, rebellious, unruly palace…" Nurtaur sputtered in anger, but it was Legolas' turn to lose control.

Anger burst aflame inside of him and he took swift, angry steps, closing the gap between him and his friend and looked near to slugging the Elf senseless. "I would strongly advise you not to finish that sentence Nurtaur! Or have you so hastily forgotten your place and whom you speak of, and to whom you speak it to?"  Legolas' words were laced with anger, and his blue orbs were dancing in the flames of his fury.

Nurtaur's anger increased at these words, but they were also a warning that he took as Legolas continued.

"And besides, 'twas not Estel's choice to bring your daughter along. I watched from the window and heard much of their conversation. Nienna begged Estel to take her along, and even threatened him with fading should he leave her alone! And I must say that I do not blame her! For you being so eager to have her bound to a male has blinded your eyes from seeing your own daughters dilemma, and harassment from the very one you were trying to force her to spend time with," Legolas yelled at his friend. Though as he was finishing off this sentence, his tone melted from anger to a more desperate attempt for Nurtaur to understand.

Nurtaur exchanged glances with his wife, who wisely kept silent with Nevethiriel, before meeting his friend's gaze with question. "What do you mean?"

Legolas let out a heavy sigh, letting the anger seep from him as he saw that his friends had also melted. "What I mean, dear friend, is that your lord Beleathion made a dishonorable pass on your daughter last night."

Nurtaur's eyes widened in shock, and Nevduliniel let out a small gasp. "How do you know this Legolas?" His voice was once again laced with anger, but it was not towards his friend. He almost didn't want to believe Legolas, but he could not even let himself imagine his friend capable of lying to anyone.

"I saw it myself…" Legolas said simply, but the look in Nurtaur's eyes forced him to continue. "After Beleathion asked Nienna to dance, I found myself unable to find my son. I searched the dance floor for him, but also found that Nienna and Beleathion were absent as well. Knowing very well that wherever Nienna is, Estel can most definitely be found by her side, especially when she is being made to entertain another male Elf, I went in search for her as well. And that is when I found her and that…lord of Rivendell…" he said the last bit in almost distaste, but at the sound of the faint, but angry grunt from his wife, drawn by the abuse upon her home place, Legolas silently apologized to her before continuing. "He had grabbed her forcefully and tried to kiss her. I immediately rushed from where I stood to aid her, but found that I didn't quite need to." At this, Legolas let out a soft chuckle, and though the anger burned fiercely inside of Nurtaur, he raised his brows in question.

"Let me just say, that your daughter is very well capable of taking care of herself Nurtaur," Legolas finished with an amused glint in his eyes.

Suddenly, Nurtaur's faced looked drawn and tired. He retreated to the spot next to his wife, and placed his hands over his face in shame. "How could I have not seen it? I should have been able to sense what the Elf was capable of, and I should have…for the safety of my daughter. But instead I tried to force her to see him again," he said mournfully. Nevduliniel wrapped her slim arms around her husband's broad shoulders in comfort.

"Twas not your fault alone melima, for I too was just as eager as thee to have Nienna see him again," she whispered softly in his ear and was answered back with a sad sigh.

Legolas also took the seat next to his wife and placed his strong arm around her slim waist, pulling her closer to him.

"It was folly to disregard Estel's words so quickly when he tried to warn you of Beleathion's actions. He cares deeply for your daughter Nurtaur. And I know he would be quick to give his life in protecting her, if it were the cost. Trust me when I say that he will let no harm come to her on this journey," Legolas spoke softly, but surely.

Nurtaur lifted his gaze to meet his friends. Legolas saw the knowing glow that rested in his blue orbs, and the soft smile that lay upon his lips.

"I know," he said simply. He reached out his hand and grasped Legolas' firmly. "Forgive me, my friend. I was a fool."

"Nay Nurtaur…" Legolas smiled faintly as he grasped his friend's hand in return, "…Never a fool. Only a father." 

~~~~~~~~~

Review Replies:

Telboriel: Aw thanks for the kind words on my story! I'm glad you liked FW! I had fun writing it, and do have plans for future editing to it! So thank you again! ::smile::

Pixie187/Peppermint187: lol! Thank you!

Fruity: LOL! Your review cracked me up! I kinda like Nienna's personality as well, lol. I actually had a whole other personality planned out for her, but it seems as if she wanted to take on her own identity…I had no say in the matter, lol. Thanks for reviewing! ::grins::

ayumi-dono: lol! Ok, you can stop chanting now! For I have updated! ::wink::

Paperclip Princess: Thank you hon! I'm glad you like it! ::smiles::

Cute-Kitty: Well, wait no more! For it is here! Lol

Heather(NFanatic@aol.com): LOL! Don't worry; the thought of Legolas' bare chest does the same thing to me! ::wink:: Thanks for reviewing!

Youko Demon: lol, yeah it was kinda long wasn't it? But it was shorter then it was intended to be! I wrote out chapter one and chapter two as one whole chapter! But Mel, my wonderful beta reader, had the marvelous idea to cut it to make two chapters! Hehe, I hope you enjoyed chap three!

Miseryelf: lol, oh I know, Estel seems hot doesn't he? And I can understand that it was hard at first to get used to the name as Legolas' son instead of Aragorn. And to answer your question, yes, I chose the name Estel not only for it's meaning (Hope), but for the reason that Estel was born after Aragorn had passed away. And so Legolas wanted to name his first born after his best friend, and Nevethiriel didn't mind, for Aragorn was her brother! Hehe, hope you enjoyed chapter three!

Earenidiel Silverwing: lol, hiya! And yesh I remember you! lol, I know, Beleathion was a dick and a half…but he will get what's coming to him, believe me! Muahaha! Lol, and I must say that I have not read your story yet. I had every intention of it, but after I saved your review, I totally forgot bout it! But now that I have found your review again…I would greatly enjoy reading it! ::smiles:: Thanks for reviewing hon!

princess of mirkwood: LOL! You're great! If you are having such thoughts, then I think I should be nice and let you continue them! Lol, such nice thoughts. ::grins:: lol, and don't worry! I think Estel to be tres handsome as well! And thank you SO MUCH for all the kind and encouraging words! I appreciate it! ::smiles::

ElvenPrincessofLegolas: Awww! Wow, thank you SO MUCH for your kind words on my story! They are overwhelming! I am so glad that you like my stories! And thank you for taking the time in telling me how you feel bout them! Keep the awesomeness up! ::hehe::

Luthein Seregon: lol, aww thank you!

Alina*Greenleaf: Hey! Thank you hon! I'm glad that you like it! ::smiles:: And to answer your question, no…Beleathion is NOT in any likeness at all to Malfanion. B/c then that would just make the plot too similar to my other one. Nope, he was just the dick of the chapter! lol, but thank you so much for taking the time to tell me what you think of my story! I really appreciate it ::grins::

Darkcherry: lol! Yay! I'll be looking forward to your reviews! And thank you…I like to write ass kickin stories. LOL!

Crabby Optimistic Potent Sulta: lol, hiya! I'm really glad you like this story, and I'm sorry that I haven't updated till just now. Hope you enjoyed the third chap! ::smiles::

Lindelea: hehe, your welcome! And I'm sorry for the long wait!

goddess 2008: Hiya! Thank you SO MUCH! And to answer your question, Estel is a little over 500 years old. Nienna is around 4 or 5 years younger. I know that in the story I had put that Estel was 20 years older than her, but I had meant to change that b4 I posted it. But alas, I couldn't find it until it was too late. Hehe…thanks for reviewing!

Xiamysticmoon: lol, I hope their reactions were to your satisfactory! And I knew that I was taking a little chance in making it more about Legolas' son than him, but that was why I made Estel to be in the very likeness of his father! The only difference is the color of his eyes. But I am also gonna be having Legolas in there a lot! The story just isn't all about him hehe. But I'm so glad that all you guys are still reading it even if it is not completely about our man!…er…Elf! lol Thank you for reviewing!

Kelly(swingkt18@hotmail.com): Hehe, thank you! But I'm not finished w/ Beleathion yet! For now Nienna's father knows, and I wanna have some fun w/ that! Lol, hope you enjoyed!!!

Nikita: hehe, I'm glad that you like it! And honestly, I almost didn't write the sequel! ::gasp:: lol, but I found myself unable to not write one, so I did! Hehe, I'm glad you are enjoying it! ::smiles::

LeggysOneBloomBaby: LOL! I'm glad you like it! And I'm happy that I've given you something new to read instead of just reading FW over and over and…you get the point! Lol! Your review cracked me up! Thank you so much! And I hope you enjoyed chapter three! ::grins::

Elleth na Ilivren: LOL! Thank you SO MUCH! I'm so glad that you like it! ::grins:: And I hope you enjoy the rest of it, b/c I have every intention of keeping it going until it is finished! Hehe!

Lemonly: lol, I have to be honest and say I was shocked to read your review! I saw the name and was like "Oh no." but then it seems ppl are not all what they seem at first! Thank you for your kind words on my story! And I hope to see more reviews from you! Hope you enjoyed chapter three!

Rachel: Hiya Rachel! Thank you so much for the kind words on my story! And I know, I had the idea of them naming their son Estel like as soon as I decided I was gonna write the sequel and what it was going to be about! I'm glad that you are enjoyin the sequel thus far, and there is A LOT more to come! Hehe!

SilverWinter: lol, thank you! And yes, I do plan on writing this story until it is finished! So no worries there! ::smiles::

kataffy8: Thank you so much hon! I really appreciate your kind words on my story! I hope you enjoy this one as much as you did the first one! ::Smiles::

Videl-14: lol, thank you! I know! I thought it would have a very interesting impact on the story if he brought her along! I'm glad you're enjoying it! ::smiles::

ladymiaka11: Lol, I'm glad you like it so far, and as for romance between the two of them? You'll just have to wait and see! ::grins::

DJ: Thank you hon! I'm glad you're enjoying it! ::grins::

Albinofrog88: Thank you so much! I'm happy that you like it! I hope you enjoyed chapter three! ::smiles::

Elfgirl2005: Lol! I know, don't you just hate those gorgeous Elf's who KNOW that they're gorgeous? ::laughs:: Hell no! I'd take one! lol I'm glad you're enjoying it hon! ::smiles::

Telboriel: Hehe, I'm so glad you liked it! Yes, I think their journey together will become VERY interesting. ::wink:: lol, hope you've enjoyed thus far!

Wow! So many to reply to! I LOVE IT!!! So PLEASE  keep the awesome reviews coming, and I will deff keep the chapters flowing! *mwaz* Ciao All!