Author's note: sorry once again for the long wait. I'm starting another story sometime soon cause this one's getting there to the end (and besides, the plot bunnies haven't bitten in weeks), and anyway, so I've been planning out the next one really well. It'll be based on Harry Potter if I ever get finished planning it out (after the 18th I probably won't be able to stop thinking about LotR again). Well, hope I can get your interest in that one too, and thanks for your reviews.

Alinne and Legolas were now in the Main Huts again; the windows open and light pouring in from them. Nithem was there too, having found her talking urgently to the lookouts of the tribe, they asked her what was so urgent and she told them to go here for more privacy.

They were now sitting in chairs provided by Nithem. Nithem finally sat down after opening the last window and letting even more bright light fill the room.

"I am afraid there is a big problem."

"Well, yes Nithem, I think we already figured that part out." Alinne was clearly annoyed. Legolas couldn't really understand why, but he figured it was an 'Alinne thing'. He himself was very happy. The week was interrupted meaning his decision wouldn't have to come tomorrow, but wait until the emergency was over.

"He has returned" Nithem continued ignoring Alinne's rude remark.

"Who has returned?" asked Legolas, not yet catching on to the meaning.

"He." Was all that Nithem said and Legolas quickly realized that she was talking about the dark wizard that had been a threat for so long now.

#No, not very long# Legolas thought. #Time seemed to have almost stopped for me while I have been here, no more than a week and a half had passed since I came, did it? So much happened, and yet, nothing happened at all. # He forgot about all the troubles outside of that world of maids. Mentally kicking himself about forgetting about the protection of his country, he quickly asked,

"What must be done?"

"Well," Nithem replied, "he is not attacking yet, but we got this in the mail today." She pulled out a letter and handed it to Legolas. "No one can read it, we cannot even figure out what language it is."

Legolas looked at the torn piece of paper. It was the language of the orcs, he knew that, but how to read it, no one but an orc would be able to know.

He put the letter down. "We must send spies to see what is outside."

Nithem looked up at him (he had stood up while reading the letter) and sadly said,

"I am afraid we have none, well, except for."

"Except for whom?" Legolas questioned eagerly.

"I will go then" he heard Alinne say as she stood up as well.

"We will send someone with you, but Alinne, you do not have to go, please Alinne, you can stay here, we will find others, Alinne." Nithem had concern and worry weaved through every strand of her voice.

Alinne was already looking towards the forest, which could be seen through one of the windows in the corner of the hut.

"No, I shall go, send just one more with me, and I will leave tomorrow."

"Alinne.well, I guess I cannot change your mind," Nithem said as she saw the I-am-not-a-child-so-don't-treat-me-like-one look on Alinne's face. "Alright, who would you have accompany you?"

"Is Noitamni able?" she asked, looking sadly into Legolas' fretful eyes.

"Yes, he is. You will leave tomorrow then." Nithem said almost reluctantly. Alinne was her best friend after all.

"I will come with them." Legolas, his lips were moving, and Alinne could hear his voice coming out. #But no, it cannot be, he cannot come, he is the king! #

Luckily for Alinne, who for a reason she didn't even know herself didn't want Legolas to come, Nithem spoke up just then, "You cannot come, you are the King! We need someone to be here just in case He does attack. I mean there are procedures you have to take, the defense," she began counting off fingers for every thing she said, "the offence, the strategies of everything and the.."

She was interrupted by Legolas, "Hmmm, what are some good strategies to use?"

"Well, counting that we are in the forest, the 'malek strategy' would work well, and the 'eno' one would be very good too, and well, it is all quite simple, we just need someone in charg..why are you smiling..oh, no, do not make me do this again, it is your job."

"But you do it so well, I could not even begin to learn all those names and strategies," he lied, he already knew them, but Nithem didn't need to know that, just not yet, "I have always been better out there." he said as he waved his arm to the direction of the window through which the forest could be seen. That was true, and seeing the longing in his eyes to go back outside again, Nithem quietly said,

"Alright, you are the King, if you wish to go, I am in no position to stop you..."

Legolas thanked Nithem and gave her a big hug and then left to the castle to get ready (after walking Alinne to her hut). She would be joining him soon to help him get ready and to get some of her things from the castle.

Everything else, the marriage arrangements, and the actual 'ruling-your-own- country-and-not-just-sitting-in-a-castle-all-day, would come later. They would be leaving tomorrow in the company of Noitamni. Legolas knew it was dangerous, and that he could be killed, but he couldn't help the excitement, which was now filling his head with bright light, from placing a large smile on his face.

Author's note: well all right, sorry for the long wait. ADVENTURE coming up soon! Yey! Finally, sorry I know I've been kinda slow lately (in the story as well with updates), but the really adventurous parts are coming up too. Hehe, please review and let me know what you think.