Thanx to.

Dulca – for being a brilliant beta reader.

Jan7 – if you have read this far, I would like to explain why Legolas can be spanked yet in a loving relationship with Aragorn. Some couple have discipline in

 there relationship it called Domestic discipline, also with Legolas he is maturing from having

to act like the prince the whole life and he can act like a Brat now and again.

 Aragorn is not a bully and a brute he loves Legolas.

 If you do not like then do read simple as that.

VaniaHepskins – they don't actually do it if you read the bottom of the last chapter, that will come later in the next story in the serious hopefully.

MoroTheWolfGod – Here you go some more. Glade the convention was good.

Zelda Saturn Mistress – Here the chapter you wanted, hope you like it.

Tica – Hope your alright after hurting yourself. Glad you like the story.

Chapter 21

Theoden looked at Gandalf, who was sat in front of him.

"You wish for me to go to Isengard?" he asked in disbelief.

"I have a feeling that Isengard is ready to fall, for all but one part remains strong," smiled Gandalf.

" Not all the Ents came with me; only half attacked Saruman and his tower."

"You mean that Saruman is ready to fall?"

"All we need is an army of our own to destroy the rest of his army," advised Gandalf.

 "Make Edoras great once more, Theoden!  Be the one to bring Saruman down."

"Yes, perhaps you are right.  I will make clear my plans at the meeting at lunch.

 I shall see you there," said Theoden as he walked out of the hall.

*Am I doing the right thing? Leading my people into what could be another war?

This time only volunteers will be asked to accompany me; no children allowed.*

Satisfied with his decision, he planned carefully what he was going to say to his generals.

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The birdsong woke Aragorn, and feeling a stirring in his arms, he looked at the beauty that lay in them.

"Morning," murmured Legolas, and he smiled at the ranger.

"This is a site I could get used to," he grinned, catching sight of the shirtless Aragorn next to him.

"I should hope so," the ranger said, smiling back.  "We had better get back soon; we have a meeting to attend."

"You think Gandalf will stay with us this time?" Asked the elf as he straightened out his clothes. "Or will he go on his own trail?"

"I don't know, Legolas; maybe. Maybe not," replied Aragorn.

"Come on, before the Dwarf sends out a search party," said Legolas, changing the subject.

"You're probably right," sighed Aragorn. "As much as I would like to stay here with you, my race needs me."

"I know, and we will answer the call together. I am always with you," stated Legolas. "Whether you want me or not."

"I love you my Little Greenleaf," smiled Aragorn, pulling Legolas to him.  "You are my beacon in this storm."

"As you are mine," said Legolas and held on to the ranger a little tighter. After a few moments the couple made their way back to the fort.

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Bethro and Gimli woke up in each other's arms, but were still dressed.

"A bit too much wine last night," said Bethro as she struggled to get up.

"Aye, a little too much but a beautiful sight to wake up to," smiled Gimli at his angel.

"Flattery, Master Dwarf will get you everything," said Bethro as she leaned forward to give Gimli a morning kiss. "I thank you for being my date for that feast."

"As I thank you," added Gimli.

The rumble of Gimli's stomach shattered the romantic mood.

"It would seem my stomach has the idea it wants food," blushed Gimli.

"Well it is noon," stated Bethro, looking out of the window.  "The generals are meeting and by the look of it Legolas and Aragorn are there.

I think that lunch has been postponed, Master Dwarf."

Gimli hurried out of the sleeping area to the hall, which the Generals had been piling into minutes before.

Theoden sat at the far end; on his left was Gandalf, and to his right was Eomer.

"Gimli!" Came Legolas' voice from the far left of the hall.

"Crazy Elf, Aragorn," greeted Gimli, "What is this about?"

"No idea my friend," answered Aragorn before Theoden started to speak.

"I have brought you here to plan our next attack on the shadow of Middle Earth," he began.

"Too long has Edoras been out shone, but it will shine once more. I have heard from Gandalf that Isengard is ready to fall, and that is my path.

 I ask only the men that wish to fight come to the dark wizard's tower," said Theoden. 

"Those who are with me meet at sun rise tomorrow to start the journey." 

With that he left the room, leaving the Generals and others to whisper in shock.

"Are we to go, Aragorn?" Asked Gimli.

"I know my path lies with him for a short while," started Aragorn. "So I will follow.  I ask you to do what you wish."

"Then to Isengard I go!" Shouted Gimli.

"Me too," agreed Legolas.  "You can't get rid of me that easily."

Aragorn grinned. "Then it is settled.  We are to follow the king."

After giving their names to the clerk, the group walked through the fort, and watched as everyone helped to start the construction work on it.

"I had better find Bethro, and tell her what's going on." Said Gimli sadly.

"Do not worry my friend, love will rise again and you shall find each other," said Legolas, sensing the sadness in the dwarf's heart.

"This one I will not let go," Gimli said firmly before walking off in search of Bethro.

"Well it leaves us two again," said Legolas.  "And we don't need to say goodbye to each other," he smiled at his lover. *hopefully for ever*

Aragorn could not help smiling back. "Lady Eowyn wishes to speak to us sometime today," he remembered.

"Well, lets go and find her," suggested Legolas. *I wonder if it has anything to do with the darkness that surrounded her*

As Legolas was thinking, Aragorn lead them to the Royal sleeping area and approached Lady Eowyn's maid.

"Is her ladyship in?" He asked.

"Yes, my lord." Replied the maid, not looking up from her task.

"Then could you tell her that Aragorn and Legolas are here to see her?" Asked the ranger.

The maid looked up at them both.  "She has been expecting you," she replied and signalled for them to follow her.

"My lady, Aragorn and Legolas are here to see you," she stated before walking off.

Eowyn turned from her position by the window.  "Please sit," she said, indicating some chairs.

"I suppose you're wondering why you are here?" She began, not looking at either of them.

Both were quiet, giving her time to speak.

She took a deep breath.  "In Edoras darkness consumed my heart and soul, leading for my darkest desires to be unleashed.

One of those desires was you, Aragorn. She draw a breath, continuing before the couple could say anything.

"I must tell you this to free my mind and get rid of the darkness. Thero the slave driver was let into the city by me."  She stopped abruptly and looked away.

"WHAT!!!" Yelled Aragorn, standing up.

"Do not lie about the darkness, my lady, it is probably your way," he added angrily.

The words stung, but she did not retaliate.

Legolas walked towards her and put his hand on her shoulder, turning her so he could look into her eyes.

"The darkness is going now," he whispered.  "You shall find someone, lady; your heart and soul can rest now."

He caught her as she fainted, and placing her on the bed, he walked out of the room.

"Legolas, you still have your confession to make," said Aragorn, following the Elf.

"Let her rest, and then I will tell her," said Legolas, leaning against the wall as if all his strength had been taken.

"I do not blame her for Saruman's reach, but it still frightens me that I could have been a slave."

Aragorn pulled Legolas into his arms. "You weren't, and that is the point," soothed Aragorn.

Legolas pulled away.  "What if they had found out who I am! Aragorn, my father does not pay ransoms."

"No-one knew Legolas, but she will soon know who you are," replied Aragorn.

Legolas sighed heavily.  "I suppose you are right."

"Never forget that," said Aragorn.

"I'm going to see the Ents; I need sometime to my self" whispered Legolas.

"Not too long," said Aragorn to the elf's back before walking off to do his own thing.

More soon Luv Devilburns