Disclaimer: For full disclaimer, please see chapter 1.
A/N:
*blinks innocently* Just _why_ do you all think that something bad will happen to out favourite elven prince and ranger? I mean, really! It's just a simple little visit to a nearby allied town, what could possibly go wrong? *evil giggle* Yes, what indeed...
Well, I'm hurt. Contrary to popular belief, my only aim in life is _not_ to hurt and torture those two! *shrugs* But, dear friends, accidents just happen, don't they... And then there's still my alter ego to consider whom I blame for chapter 8, btw. *points at herself, which makes her look a lot like Gollum* All HER fault! *g*
Oh, and I absolutely agree with you: Aragorn should really talk about his nightmares, but you know him: He's stubborn. Plus, he's a man, and we all know how unreasonable men can be sometimes... *runs off to escape angry male readers* Anyway, he WILL talk about them, later. Believe me, in the near future nightmares will be the least of their worries. *g*
Very well, on to chapter 6 then! Just as promised, we will see more of the evil men whose popularity will probably not increase after this, and Legolas finds out about a conspiracy in his father's halls. *g*
Enjoy and review, please!
Chapter 6
Two days later, Legolas was smiling happily as he walked down the hallways of his father's palace. Today had truly been a good day, well, except for the one, small mishap perhaps. But if one counted carefully, then the two good things outweighed the one bad thing, so it had mainly been a good day.
The first good thing was that his father had really allowed them to go to Lake-town, which, even though Legolas had hoped he would, surprised him slightly. He had had a long argument with him, but in the end his father had relented and given his permission, provided that they took Celylith with them and would return in two week's time.
Otherwise, the golden haired king had stated threateningly, he would send a contingent of warriors after them with the orders to drag them back to the palace in a most undignified manner.
Legolas had joyfully agreed of course, in fact, he would even have agreed to a larger escort, but that wasn't something his father needed to know. But it was probably better this way, he reasoned, making his way slowly down the steps leading to the great hall, Seobryn would probably not survive a journey with more than two or three elves.
'Even though,' the prince admitted with a small smile, 'He has improved. Today he didn't run away, looked at me and answered my question.'
The second good thing that had happened was the fact that Celylith was speaking to him again. Two days ago he had tried to talk to him, telling the silver haired elf that his behaviour was more than stupid and unbecoming an elven warrior, but his friend had just looked at him with a cold expression in his blue eyes and left without a word.
Now Celylith seemed to have decided himself that he had made his friend suffer long enough and kindly stooped to talking to him again, something for which Legolas was secretly very thankful for. He had already lost one of his two best childhood friends, namely Glónduil, and he didn't want to lose his second one as well, and because of a spider at that.
Besides, it would make things a lot easier, he thought, stepping out into the courtyard, wondering for a moment when it would begin to snow. The grey clouds hung heavily over the trees, and it smelled so much like snow that he was expecting the first snow flakes any minute now. Or it would at least be as easy as it ever was with his friend, but everything was better than having to travel with a companion that adamantly refused to talk to you.
Legolas stopped shortly, turning to speak to a passing warrior.
"Have you seen the dúnadan, Strider?"
The other elf seemed to think about that for a second before his face lit up.
"Yes, my lord, I have. He was near the smithies a short while ago."
Legolas thanked the other elf and slowly made his way over to the part of the spacious courtyard where the smithies were located, a bit away from all wooden buildings in case a fire broke out, which truly happened once in a while. But a smithy without a little fire now and then wasn't a real smithy, the prince thought wryly. As elflings he and his friends had quite often prayed for one, because it usually caused general confusion when every able person ran for the smithies to extinguish the flames before they could spread to the palace. That left them unguarded and alone for a while, and it had been more than enough time for them to regularly escape their nursemaids and teachers.
These thoughts automatically brought him to the subject of his human friend, and Legolas was beginning to get slightly worried. While he didn't think that Aragorn would set fire to the palace, he was beginning to wonder what the young ranger wanted down here. He was Elladan's and Elrohir's brother, after all, and it always paid to be wary of his intentions.
'Those little orcs,' Legolas fumed at the thought of the twins. 'When I get my hands on them I will…'
What the two Noldorin elves had left behind was of course the one bad thing that had happened today. He should have known, Legolas decided grumpily, the twins would never have allowed him to get away this easily…
The fair haired elf looked up, realising that he had reached his destination. Looking around for his friend, he finally spotted him where he was just leaving the house of one of the weapon smiths, the deep scratch on his forehead already healed without leaving a mark, thanks to the blood of the Men of Westernesse that flowed in his veins. He watched as Aragorn turned at the door, smiling and bowing lightly to Legandir, who was possibly the best weapon smith in all elvish realms, with the possible exception of the Galadhrim.
Legolas felt his mouth go dry. He didn't know what Aragorn wanted from Legandir, but he was rather sure it couldn't be good. Vowing to himself to be on his guard in the future, he called out a greeting.
Aragorn who had just left the house whirled round and looked at his elven friend with big, somewhat guilty eyes.
"Legolas! I thought you were with your father!"
Legolas eyed the man suspiciously.
"I was. We finished our discussion a few minutes ago."
"Oh. Perfect," Aragorn muttered, shooting the smithy he had just left a furtive glance. Had Legolas seen him with Legandir?
"What are you doing here? And don't you want to know what my father had to say?" the elven prince asked the other, not really expecting an honest answer, which Aragorn was by no means willing to give.
"Oh, nothing really," the ranger said, steering his friend back into the direction of the palace. "Just … walking. Nothing more." Ignoring the dubious look the blonde elf shot him, he added, "And of course I want to know. What did he say?"
Legolas gave his friend a long stare. Very well, he thought, when Aragorn wasn't prepared to answer him, he would have to find out otherwise, somehow. He was the crown prince after all, and Legandir had to answer his questions.
He looked at the young man solemnly.
"I am sorry, Strider," he said, watching with wicked glee how Aragorn's eager face fell. "I am sorry, but … we have to take Celylith with us."
It took the young man a moment to realise what his friend had just said.
"You mean we can go?"
"Yes, Estel, we may," Legolas answered, smiling at the other.
"When would we have to leave?" Aragorn asked, looking suddenly worried.
Legolas frowned, growing more confused by the second. Why was Aragorn worried about their time of departure? Usually the ranger couldn't get started on a journey soon enough.
'There is something definitely odd going on here,' the prince decided, a feeling of dread beginning to sneak up on him.
"In two or three days," he answered, surveying his friend closely.
At that Aragorn gave a relieved smile.
"Oh. That's perfect then."
"Why?" the fair haired elf asked boldly, narrowing his eyes at his friend.
"Hm? Oh, no special reason."
"Aragorn…" Legolas growled threateningly.
"What?" the human asked, turning innocent grey eyes on the young elf. "What is it? Did you find another of my brothers' … gifts?"
The elven prince's eyes flashed dangerously.
"As a matter of fact, I did. But that's not what I meant, and you know it. You are avoiding my questions, once again."
The dark haired ranger lowered his eyes to the ground, somewhat ashamed. Yes, he had been avoiding all questions Legolas had addressed at him concerning his nightmares, and as sorry as he was for worrying his friend, he just couldn't talk about them. Especially not with Legolas. It was silly enough that he was having these dreams at all, and the last thing he wanted was to burden his elven friend with them.
"I don't want to talk about that yet again, Legolas," he said flatly.
Legolas shook his head. That stubborn human! Well, he would give him a few more days and then he would force him to tell him! Or even sooner if he kept sleeping as little as he did.
"Fine, human," he snapped, growing angry against his will. "Then don't talk to me! You are just as bad as those demon-brothers of yours!"
He turned and was about to disappear into the royal gardens, when a hand closed around his arm and held him back.
"What did they do?" Aragorn asked softly, looking at him with imploring eyes.
Accepting this as the peace offer it was, the elven prince turned back to his friend.
"They glued my spare knives to their sheaths."
"They did what?" the young human exclaimed, everything else forgotten.
"You heard me," Legolas growled, but his eyes twinkled playfully.
"Elbereth," Aragorn whispered. "Well, I don't even know why I am surprised. The other things were far too obvious after all."
Legolas had to agree. The other booby traps had been far too easy to find, even though he had to give the twins some credit for the water snakes in his bathing pool. He didn't even want to know where they had got the animals from, or how they had got them into his room.
"They will wish they'd never been born the next time I see them," Legolas hissed, silver-blue eyes darkening.
Aragorn winced and asked himself if his brothers had truly known what they had been doing when they had touched the elven prince's weapons. Everybody knew that Legolas could react rather … strangely when the matter concerned his bow or knives, and anyone who laid hands on them or made derogatory comments about them was in the danger of dying an unexpected, violent death.
'Ah well,' he thought. 'They are over 2800 years old. It's their problem, not mine.'
"Uhm, perhaps they didn't mean to?" he asked in a half-hearted attempt to defend the twins.
Legolas only raised an eyebrow and gave him a cold stare.
"Forget I said anything," Aragorn shrugged.
Together they began to climb the steps leading up to the main building.
"Is your father holding court right now?" Aragorn asked, keeping his eyes straight ahead.
"No, I don't think so," Legolas replied, taken aback, instantly suspicious. "Why?"
"Oh, I just need to talk with him about something. Do you think he would receive me now?"
The prince just stared at his friend. Aragorn wanted to talk with his father? This was highly unusual, for, even if he wasn't exactly afraid of Thranduil, the ranger harboured more than a little bit of respect for him and had never before sought out the King of Mirkwood to "talk with him about something".
This just couldn't be good.
"Legolas?" the human's voice drew him back to the present.
"Yes. Yes, I think so. Just ask Galion for a short audience," he said slowly, his eyes surveying his friend.
"Excellent!" Aragorn exclaimed and clapped the fair haired elf on the back. "You can go and inform Celylith, I will do the same with Seobryn later. I will see you later, mellonamin!"
The young ranger gave his elven friend a last smile before he turned and walked away into the direction of King Thranduil's study, cheerfully greeting warriors and elf lords as he passed them.
Legolas just remained where he was, watching his departing friend's back. This was one strange thing too many that had happened to him today, he decided, blinking slowly. There was something odd going on here, and it seemed that his father was part of it.
"Ilúvatar, what is Arda coming to?" he asked himself loudly as he went off to search for his silver haired friend and inform him of their journey, causing one of his father's councillors to glance at him curiously.
How true, the older elf thought as he watched his prince disappear round a bend in the corridor, muttering to himself, what was everything coming to? First Lord Elrond and his snorting, and now Prince Legolas.
The world was changing, indeed.
Adruran was the surveying the empty room in case he had forgotten something. While he didn't think that whatever he could leave behind could somehow be linked to him, he didn't want to risk anything. He hadn't reached the ripe age of 41 years by carelessness or unorganised behaviour.
He chuckled inwardly. Indeed, to have reached an age of 41 summers was something rather unique in his field of work, especially when one considered whom he worked for. His lord wasn't known to be very lenient towards those who disappointed him, and neither was he a patient or controlled man. It was a dangerous business working for him, but then again, refusing his offers and not working for him was even more dangerous and, more often than not, deadly.
So, the only thing a sensible man could do was not to fail him and be in his presence as little as possible, and up until now, he had succeeded, and in the process had become quite rich. His liege may have a temper, but he did indeed pay those who carried out his orders successfully most handsomely.
'Of course he does,' Adruran thought, closing the door and heading down to the main room of the tavern to pay for the rooms he and his men had occupied. 'Of course he pays us well. No-one has ever kept a realm together for long only by sheer terror, and he knows that. You have to give people a good reason for working for you, after all. Except the obvious of course, such as beheading if they don't.'
The noise that washed over him when he entered the tavern was almost deafening after the quiet stillness of his room, and he stopped at the door to reorient himself for a second. The spacious room was already three-quarters full, and more and more people were yet streaming into the inn. All seemed to be in high spirits, drinking and laughing merrily, tankards raised high into the air as the men and women toasted someone.
Adruran strained to understand the name, and over the drunken laughter and merry words he finally managed to discern a name: Bard. More precisely, Bard the Bowman, but it could have been Maude the Mophead or Wat the Woman as well, so slurred did most of the voices sound already.
He had to stifle a grin. As interesting as those last two possibilities sounded, he was rather sure that the Lake-men had no reason to toast a person with such strange a name, besides, if he remembered it correctly, Bard had been the one who had shot Smaug the Dragon when he had been attacking Esgaroth twelve years ago.
And he had done a great job, he thought sarcastically, shot the thing so that it crashed into the town and completely destroyed it. Well done indeed.
"To Bard!" a drunken voice sounded.
"Bard! Bard! King of Dale!" others joined in. "May he live another 45 years!"
Other voices congratulated the king on his 43rd or 48th birthday, so there seemed to be some confusion over the actual age.
Adruran shook his head as he paid the rent that had accumulated over the past eight days. The whole town seemed to be celebrating the birthday of their saviour, but then again, that would only aid his plans. When the guards were as drunk as the majority of the people here, then slipping out of Esgaroth would prove to be a lot easier than he had originally feared.
With a last look at the merry folk in the tavern he stepped out of the building onto the wooden catwalk that ran around the house. He looked at the night sky when a small, cold drop of frozen water touched his cheek. The tall man sighed softly. Of course it had to snow now, he thought wryly, was there a better time than the evening of their departure?
He nodded at the shadows near the door.
"Tiddryr."
A second later his red haired lieutenant appeared, stepping out of the darkness and into the cone of light the open door produced, shaking his head.
"One of these days you have to tell me how you do that, sir."
His captain smiled mirthlessly.
"Oh, I learned it from a ranger, a few years back," he said, suppressing the sudden annoyance he felt. He really wasn't in the mood for talking with his subordinates about trivial things.
The younger man raised a copper eyebrow and asked, following his captain into the direction of the town's outskirts,
"How did you come to meet him?"
"It was during a mission when I was a bit younger," Adruran explained, reining his temper. "We got along quite well, I think. That was before I had to slit his throat, of course." He turned to give his companion a thin smile. "He asked too many questions."
Tiddryr swallowed once, averting his eyes. Satisfied that the other had understood his message, Adruran took up his purposeful walk once more.
A short while later they had had crossed several wooden bridges, a few stone bridges (an innovation the new Master of the Town had introduced for the unlikely case that another dragon might want to attack and set fire to the whole settlement, or maybe just to prevent the spreading of ordinary fires) and quite a lot of unmanned gates, and finally they reached the part of the town near the big quays, the reloading-point of the goods that came up from the south via the River Running.
The otherwise so busy embankments were empty and deserted since all the workers were busy celebrating in one of the town's many inns. That made this place even more perfect than it had been a few days ago when he had chosen it as a hiding place, Adruran thought, silently nearing a large, obviously abandoned warehouse. The windows were barricaded with large, wooden boards, parts of the roof were missing and the doors were tightly closed and locked with crude metal locks.
'Or so it appears', the dark haired man thought wryly, 'But as so often in this world, appearances can be deceiving…'
When they had reached the door, it swung inwards at once, the wood creaking slightly as it did so. Adruran nodded in satisfaction; so the guards on the roof had done their job well and informed the others of his arrival.
He entered the warehouse, nodding slightly at the two guards that stood on either side of the entrance, their swords drawn in case any uninvited visitors decided to show up. He walked a little bit further into the room and stopped at a group of five of his men, who were talking quietly amongst themselves.
"Geran. Report," he demanded curtly, nodding at the youngest of the men who was still in command of the small troupe. In Adruran's opinion age shouldn't be the decisive factor in questions such as a command, and until now the youth hadn't disappointed him, even though he had the feeling that some of the young man's 'hobbies' might cause trouble rather sooner than later.
The young man turned to his commander and straightened his shoulders.
"We are ready to leave, sir. The horses are behind the warehouse, we have enough provisions for a month and all the men are here. The rents have been paid, there have been no fights or brawls, and no-one seemed to have taken any inappropriate interest in us. We can be gone in a quarter of an hour."
Adruran smiled slightly.
"Well done, Geran." He turned to the rest of his men. "Get ready to leave. Bleon, you will lead the first group, Tiddryr, you the second. The other two will be commanded by Geran and myself. We will leave in fifteen minutes."
The assembled men nodded and began to move to the back of the warehouse to slip through several openings into the vast yard that was located right behind the building.
Adruran remained behind, looking intently at Geran.
"Has our … guest thought of anything else that might be of use to us?" he asked, beginning to make his way over to one of the dark corners of the building, nearing the spot where two of his men leaned against the wall, looking quite bored.
Geran smiled, a smile that was as cold and emotionless as his dark eyes.
"Oh, he wasn't very talkative anymore. But he … remembered a few hours ago that his friends hadn't left five days ago but only two. He understands now how wrong it was to forget such an important detail."
Adruran shot him a brief look, deciding to keep a close eye on him. Geran obviously enjoyed all this far too much.
"Only two days…" he muttered, his mind spinning with the new information. "That is most fortunate, we might even be able to catch up with them before they reach..."
He fell silent for a while, contemplating what to do next.
"Something else?" he asked, turning back to his young lieutenant.
Geran seemed to think about this for a second before he spoke up.
"Yes, there was something, even though I don't know whether or not it is important. A few of the men have reported that there were some people looking for our friend here."
Adruran followed his subordinate's gaze and looked down at the floor between the two guards, fixing emotionless eyes on the still figure of a man that lay on the dirty ground. At least, he thought detachedly, it had been a man once, now there wasn't enough left of him for his own mother to recognise.
'As I said,' he thought wryly, 'It is all a matter of the proper encouragement.'
Although, it did appeared to him that Geran and his men had overdone it a little bit here, judging by the blood that seemed to be everywhere.
"Really?" he asked, turning mildly interested eyes on the youth. "Now that is interesting. Friends of his?"
"No," Geran shook his head, an amused sparkle in his brown eyes, "He claims he doesn't know them. And I think he speaks the truth; we were … very convincing."
Adruran just gave him a blank stare. He really didn't like this sort of bragging, it was unprofessional and more than a little bit annoying.
"Are you quite finished?" he asked, a dangerous undertone in his voice.
Geran swallowed nervously and nodded, forcing himself to continue.
"Yes, sir. Our … guest said they were probably men in the service of some of those who left with his friends. He doesn't know their names or even who they work for, only that whoever the employer is, he is also very interesting in getting what we want."
The brown haired man frowned in thought as he slowly walked back the way they had come. This got more complicated by the second, he thought irritated, running a hand over his face. He should have known better than to accept this assignment, but on second thought, he had known better. He just hadn't had a real choice in the matter…
Now there were not only two, but three parties involved, not counting his own men?
'Eru,' he sighed inwardly, 'Just for once it would be very enjoyable indeed if everything went according to plan!'
"Very well," he said as he had reached the door leading to the yard, squaring his shoulders and turning to face his lieutenant who had followed him in silence. "You two," he nodded into the direction of the guards, "will stay here and keep an eye on things, just in case anyone else shows an interest in us or our friend here. Should anything happen, one of you will follow us immediately while the other stays behind and tries to learn as much as possible. Do not take any unnecessary risks and, in Eru's name, do not go looking for trouble. Understood?"
The two nodded.
"Yes, sir."
Satisfied that this was taken care of, he shot Geran an unreadable look before he took the last steps into the direction of the door, his gaze shortly brushing the unmoving figure in the corner.
"Dispose of him."
Geran grinned slightly, deciding that a quick death was probably a mercy. One way or the other, the man wouldn't live to see another dawn. A question forming in his mind, he followed his captain for some steps and asked,
"How, sir? We don't have much time."
Adruran stopped and slowly turned around, an unbelieving expression on his face.
"Great Ones, how? Use your head, boy! We are on the middle of the Long Lake!"
He watched with some satisfaction how the younger man blushed and nodded, snapping at the two other men to get him some weights as he turned to walk back to his half-dead prisoner.
He stepped out of the warehouse, breathing in the cold air and idly watching the gently falling snow.
The waiting was finally over, he thought relieved as he made his way over to his horse. Now all they needed to do was find the other party and … persuade them to tell them where it was located, find it and get some of it back to his lord.
That would be enough to satisfy his liege, Adruran thought, and that was all he wanted. And if possible, satisfy him before winter began in earnest and made this whole episode even more unpleasant than it already was.
Legolas lay in bed, one half of him too lazy and one half too terrified to get up.
The lazy half was owned to the fact that the last evening had been spent with songs and dance and drink in the great hall in the process of a goodbye-feast, something which he thought highly unnecessary. After all, they were going to be gone for two weeks at the most, not on a two year-patrol.
But then again, the Silvan folk of Eryn Lasgalen didn't always need a real reason for singing and being merry, and so the night had been spent with drink and laughter.
The prince had to smile. Aragorn and he had spent most of the time making up ambiguous songs about spiders and butterflies and had almost suffocated with laughter when Celylith had shot them mock glares. It had been quite funny indeed, until his father had suspiciously inquired where their newfound love for arachnids originated from.
Yes, Legolas thought, it had been an enjoyable albeit late evening, and he was looking forward to many more of such evenings during the cold days of the winter season.
The terrified part was due to the fact that he, Estel, Seobryn and Celylith would be leaving for Esgaroth today. He was quite eager to get out of the palace, of course, and yesterday had been beautiful with a clear blue sky and lots of snow that promised making travelling with humans even more enjoyable, from an elf's point of view, of course, but here he had to agree with his father: Something had to happen.
He didn't yet know what would happen, when it would happen or even to whom it would happen, but happen it would, the son of Thranduil thought darkly. "It" would result in him dragging Estel back to the palace to face his father's wrath, or maybe the other time round for a change. The only thing he was sure about was the facing-his-father's-wrath-bit, something he seemed to be unable to avoid.
'Get up, coward,' a familiar sarcastic voice muttered inside his head, 'What will come to pass, will come to pass, whether you hide in your chambers or not.'
Grumbling the fair haired elf got up, washed and dressed, pondering how it was possible that that voice sounded like a mix between Aragorn and the Lady Galadriel now.
'Besides,' he thought ill-temperedly, 'I beg to differ. Hiding here would solve quite a lot of my problems.'
He finished dressing and walked over into the next room where he had piled up the things he wanted to take with him, mainly weapons, spare clothes and enough healing herbs and bandages to open a small apothecary. An apothecary that wouldn't need to replenish its stocks for quite some years to come.
Scanning the small mountain of packs and satchels, Legolas noticed two things: First, that he should probably pack a few more bandages, one could never have enough of them, and second, that his quiver was missing.
A low growl of annoyance was beginning to build in his chest. He should have known it, he thought irritated, he should have known that accursed human was up to something. The past two days had been highly unusual, to say the least.
When he had tried to get Legandir, the smith, to tell him what Aragorn had wanted from him, the dark haired elf had only looked at him with barely hidden amusement and told him how very sorry he was, but that he couldn't answer his questions by order of the king and that he should take it up with him.
His father wouldn't give him a straight answer either, only telling him that everything would be "revealed in due time" and using the opportunity to lecture him on the virtues of patience.
He didn't even try to get Aragorn to tell him, for he knew that all attempts would be useless. Apart from the incredible stubbornness the young ranger seemed to have adopted another of his elven brothers' traits, namely to avoid questions with extraordinary skill, something that would probably serve him well in the future, especially if he ever became King of Gondor and Arnor. Right now however it was decidedly annoying.
Fine, Legolas decided, it was time to end this charade. If his father and Aragorn had wanted to play a little game with him, then that was alright, but enough was enough. No-one touched his weapons, even if the quiver had only held one of his older bows he had chosen as a replacement for the one he had lost some weeks ago. No-one.
Silver-blue eyes flashing with suppressed anger, he flung his door open and made his way over to his friend's. He thought about knocking, but quickly abandoned that idea. Had Aragorn knocked when he had taken his weapons?
He opened the door with a little bit more force than necessary, causing it to bounce against the wall, but to his surprise and annoyance, the young ranger wasn't in his rooms.
Legolas scowled at the empty room and stormed out, shooting a passing servant girl a grim look. No, he thought, this time his friend wouldn't get away so easily. He would find him and teach him what happened if one touched a wood-elf's weapons.
Half an hour later though, he was beginning to get rather annoyed. It was almost as if the young human had vanished into thin air, and none of those Legolas had questioned had seen him or knew where he could be. If he hadn't been in such a foul mood, he might even have given the ranger some credit for this, since it was no small feat indeed to avoid detection by Silvan elves, but right now he was quite preoccupied with imagining all the things he would do to the man once he found him, starting with using him for target practise.
Feeling very annoyed and rather frustrated now, the elven prince turned with a growl and headed back to the main building. Just as he was entering the great hall, he heard a voice behind him that made him whirl around.
"Legolas! Good morning, my friend, are you ready to leave?"
Legolas narrowed his eyes and stared at the innocent face of his human friend.
"Where. Is. It." he managed to grind out between gritted teeth.
Aragorn gulped once, obviously plucking up his courage.
"Where is what, my friend? Didn't you sleep well?"
The blonde elf merely stepped closer, smiling sweetly and grabbing the man's arm while he pushed him out of the hall.
"My quiver, human, as you well know. Don't make me hurt you, and don't think I wouldn't. I remember the sparring match from yesterday, you are quite well again."
The young ranger tried to escape his friend's firm grip, without much success however.
"Well, I don't have it," he said, turning huge silver eyes on the irate elf that was steering him into the direction of his room.
"That was not what I asked, Strider," Legolas said in a low voice, still smiling eerily at him. Aragorn suppressed a shudder. That smile made the elf look positively dangerous. "I was asking where it…"
They had reached his room now, and the elven prince stopped in mid-sentence, staring dumbstruck at the pile of bags that still sat on the floor of his chambers. And at the quiver, complete with bow, that sat in front of it.
Aragorn hid a grin and did his best to look indignant and aggrieved.
"Well, there it is! Honestly, you drag me through half of the palace to show me that your quiver is exactly where you left it yesterday evening?"
Legolas just kept staring at his quiver, slowly letting go of the human's arm. This wasn't possible! He was sure it hadn't been here when he had awoken…
He took one step closer to his weapons, and couldn't quite hide a gasp of surprise when he eyed them more closely. This wasn't his old bow he had had for a few decades now, it was a new one, the string still coiled around the dark wood.
And it was beautiful, in fact, possibly the most beautiful bow he had ever seen, apart from the twins' longbows that were a gift from their grandparents, the Lord and Lady of the Galadhrim. And since the elves of Lothlórien weren't exactly known for giving away their weapons, he saw little chance of ever possessing such a beautiful bow himself.
But this one was perfect. It was made of dark wood, inlaid with wreathing strands of gold at the ends and in the middle, a strong, beautifully crafted piece of work that did his people's craftsmanship justice.
Legolas slowly took a step closer, half-afraid that it might vanish if he moved too quickly. He reached out and closed his fingers around the bow, taking it out of the quiver and running his hands over the wood, feeling for imperfections and – of course – finding none. It was perfectly balanced as well, and it fit in his hand as if it had been made for him.
He turned back to his friend, the weapon still in hand.
"How … what …?"
Aragorn grinned, silver eyes gleaming. It was a rare occurrence indeed to see the always so collected Prince of Mirkwood confused and at a loss for words, and the sight greatly amused him.
"How was I to know that you would get up so early? The plan was to get it back here before you had risen, but I was a little too slow, I guess."
Legolas tore his eyes away from the new bow, staring hard at the human.
"Where did you get it? Why did you get it?"
The young ranger sat down on a wooden chair in front of the fireplace, shrugging lightly.
"Legandir was so kind to make it for you. And you needed a bow, that's why."
"But, Aragorn," Legolas began, still more than a little taken off guard, "Legandir never takes orders just like that. He needs at least two months for something like this."
Aragorn grinned, eyes dancing with amusement.
"Oh, Elladan ordered it for me six weeks ago. He can be quite convincing, believe me. And I spoke with your father about it to make sure we wouldn't give you the same present. We agreed to share this gift, so to speak. His request might have helped some, as well."
The fair haired elf shook his head.
"Not even ada can order Legandir to do something he doesn't want to do. He is the best weapon smith north of Lórien, and he knows that perfectly well. What did you promise him in return for," he returned his eyes to his new bow and continued in an awed whisper, "for this masterpiece?"
The young human shrugged nonchalantly.
"Oh, not much. I think the agreement was my immortal soul and my first born should I ever sire children. Nothing of great importance, really." He chuckled at his friend's indignant look. "It is a gift, my friend. You lost your bow because of me and the least I can do is make sure you receive a new one. Your father and I didn't want to see you without a weapon worthy of your skill. Just accept it."
Legolas looked at the human, shaking his head slightly.
"You are impossible, Strider. This bow is worth more than a small human village."
"And so it should be," Aragorn replied softly, smiling at the elf. "Besides, I didn't act out of selflessness. I need someone to cover my back when you get us into trouble once more."
"I?" Legolas asked incredulously, carefully putting the weapon back into the quiver. "I, human? It is you who stirs up the trouble, not me." He quickly walked over to his friend's chair and pulled the human to his feet. "Thank you," he said, grasping Aragorn's forearms tightly and looking at him earnestly, his silver-blue eyes shining brightly. "It is beautiful. Thank you, mellonamin."
Aragorn simply nodded, squeezing his elven friend's arms lightly.
"You should go and thank your father. Without his assistance I don't think I would have been able to convince Master Legandir of the importance of this particular assignment."
Legolas smiled and released the human's forearms.
"He can be quite … eccentric sometimes."
Aragorn snorted as they made their way down the corridor into the direction of King Thranduil's chambers.
"'Eccentric' is quite a mild term, I think. It took me ages to convince him that I couldn't wait a yén or two."
Legolas grinned at the young ranger, eyes twinkling.
"Oh, I think you could have waited a yén. Two might have been tricky though, even for a Númenórean."
"Not all of us can wait a few centuries for a new weapon, elf," Aragorn retorted laughing. "Besides, you needed it today. The chances that you won't need it on this journey are…"
"Slim to none, my friend. I know," the elven prince retorted, turning serious again.
The chances were slim indeed, he thought as they neared his father's rooms to say their thanks and good-byes. The day Aragorn and he returned from any expedition unscathed, in one piece and overall uninjured would be the day orcs saw the errors of their ways, adopted acceptable manners and were able to converse in civilised voices.
In other words, that day lay probably a long while in the future. But that fact wouldn't deter him from trying. One never knew what the future held, and this time might be the time it finally happened.
Besides, what could possibly happen on their way to Esgaroth or in the town itself, he asked himself as they stopped in front of his father's door.
They would be just fine, and perhaps they would even return without a scratch.
Perhaps.
TBC...
dúnadan - 'Man of the West', ranger
mellonamin - my friend
ada - father (daddy)
yén - elvish unit of time, eqivalent to 144 years
*stares at screen in disgust* What am I doing? No cliffy since chapter 3?! I've got to see a doctor, I'm ill or something... *g* Be that as it may, Legolas now has a new bow! Yay! So, now they're on their way to Lake-town, where they will arrive next chapter. *shivers with excitement* Oh, what will happen? Will they even manage to cross the bridges before trouble finds them? *evil cackle*
Well, answers to that and more in the next post, probably on Friday. Reviews are greatly appreciated. Please? I'm begging here! *g*
Additional A/N:
Coreinha - Just one question: Why are you threatening me with a squirrel? I mean, they are not exactly ... fearsome, are they? And I don't think I would hurry anyway, because I really don't have much time right now. Besides, I really _do_ enjoy making you guys wait for the chappies... *evil grin* And can't you just shift the chatgroup to the Microsoft Messenger or something? I really hate AOL! *grumbles* I'll think about it, okay?
Gwyn - *g* Ah well, it's not really a 'conspiracy'-conspiracy, if you know what I mean... You probably don't, that because I'm not making any sense at all... *shrugs* Ah well, that's me, I guess... Thanks for reviewing!
TrinityTheSheDevil - A *cough* naked Aragorn? *turns red* Uhm, I don't know ... what about ... no? I'm not a Slash writer, for cryin' out loud! I would DIE before I even got past the sentence "And Aragorn was naked...". *giggles* No way. *splutters some more* Whatever. *evil grin* So you like Aragorn angst? *rubs hands* Good for you, m'dear, because, you know, there is chapter 7 and 8 and 9 and there they... *closes mouth* I'm not telling! And don't think your spider could eat me! Stan never sleeps, plus there's Fred sr. (my warg) and a few nazgûl that live in my bathroom. Okay? *g*
E - *nods sadly* I know. Were are very sick and should seek professional help. *g* A certain nasty elf and a sick human that come to visit Aragorn's dreams? Well, that just _might_ be correct. *g* No, you're right, they never learn, but then again, if they did our lives would be soooo boring, wouldn't they? *huggles E* Thanks! I really need all the luck I can possibly get. Last Friday I was there when the prof - figuratively speaking, of course - ripped the last paper and the poor person who had written it to pieces. Tiny pieces, so tiny that you couldn't find them with a magnifying glass. *shudders* It wasn't a pretty sight, believe me...
Aralondwen - Hoi! Aralondwen! Nice to see you again - is that a flame thrower you're holding? *shakes head* Why am I even asking? *narrows eyes* And you _should_ be sorry for not reviewing sooner! I mean, hey, I spend FAR too much time in front of the screen to give you a little chapter once in a while and you... J/k, don't worry! Thanks for updating now! *hugs her and grabs a marshmallow* Thanks - mmm, yummy...
Firniswen - Well well well, you can't have everything, can you? *evil grin* Patinece, patience you need to learn, young one... *sounding eerily like Yoda* Ah well. The next part's here, thanks for the review!
XsilicaX - *shakes her hand* Welcome to the club of the arachnophobic FF writers. I positively loathe them! Yeah well, let's say Legolas would very much lik to help his friend, if only Aragorn would let him... *shakes head in exasperation* Stubborn, reckless human, that one... Hey, you are a great reviewer! You always make me laugh! *pokes her back* Well, preciousss, than you'll have to wait, wesss thinksss... Wess really hatessss AOL, yes we doesss, preciousss.... Had many traumatic experiencesss with it, we had, Gollum Gollum... But as I told Coreinha, if you want to, tell me your screennames and when you'll probably be online and I'll think about it. After I've finished my paper, I think. Okay?
Mouse - *grins* So you think you know what's going to happen? Please, tell me! I want to see if I've become predictable in my old age... This chapter nothing much happens, but you can still tell me? Please? *puppy dog eyes* Well, anyway. Did I ever tell you how very grateful I am for your continued support? Well, in case I haven't... THANKS!! *huggles Mouse*
Elladan - Well, if that review was random, then I like random reviews! Thanks so much for all your kind words! Great you like it!
Halo - 'Bloody long'? What took me so 'bloody long'? Well, I'll be ... that coming from YOU! You who doesn't update more often than once a century!! But don't worry, _I_ *shoots her meaningful glances* wouldn't kill our babies, I'm too afraid for that. Somebody would probably find me and kill me in a slow and painful way... *shudders* No, Happy Endings are a lot nicer! *buries head in hands* So it WAS slang, wasn't it? Shame on me!! I mean, I make a point of not using 'okay' and things like that, and what do I do? I use slang terms! Arghh! *shuffles off dejectedly* But thanks for telling me...
Jenny - *whistles innocently* I don't know either! I mean, would I hurt my babies? Never!! And you are right: I think lecturers' only aim in life id to make our lives miserable. And they're quite good at it, aren't they? *shrugs* Well, okay. Thanks for reviewing!
Ciria - Wohoo, then you're psychic! I mean, if you have a feeling that I updated and I did - hmm, on second thought, might also be because I usually updtae every four days... *g* Oh, my fav ice cream? That's a tough question... I think chocolate with chocolate cookies. That's so good! Oh, and no, my name is not Clodia. That was the name of a Roman noblewoman who was a ... let's say, a very interesting woman. She is said to have killed her husand and a few other people, was involved in every major conspiracy of that time and sister to the most powerful tribunus who wanted to take over the City of Rome and killed all and everyone who stood in his way. *shrugs* Interesting woman, okay? Hmm, I don't think twins could ever confuse each other with a mirror. I've always read that twins don't think they look alike at all, they see tiny differences a normal persons wouldn't even notice. LOL! I love the brush thing! 'Behold, the brush of Isildur!' *giggles* Ah, and I put 'Elros' there because the term _is_ 'the Line of Elros'. I mean, Isildur was only part of that line. Don't worry, I would never let you hang _too_ long! *g*
Kaera - *vertraeumt* Ach ja... Das ist die ultimative Vorstellung aller Personen, die einen Computer besitzen bzw. es mal getan haben - ihn einfach nehmen und aus dem Fenster schmeissen! Hach... LOL, 'Dibbel'? Was is'n das fuer 'n Ausdruck? *schuettelt Kopf* Ihr seid einer schlimmer als der andere. Immer wollt ihr nur Leute leiden sehen... Okay, ich geb's ja zu, ich bin auch nicht anders... Ja, ich merk das schon, du bist echt fixiert auf die Geschichte, was? Mal gucken, was ich da mahcne kann... *taetschelt Kaeeras Schulter* Tust mir echt leid mit deiner verlorenen Muse, ich habe das noch nie gehabt ... aber ich habe auch immer ein 'Geruest' und weiss so ungefaehr, was ich schreiben will... Na ja. Moege sie bald zurueckkommen!
Marbienl - *nods* I really think twins have that kind of connection. I've read abou it, and my biology teacher said it was so. *nods again* Oh, I'm glad you liked that part with the dwarves - I never planned it! It just came to me! *pulls Marbienl back* Will you stop hitting poor Legolas! He was in mortal danger! Really, and Aragorn will be fine - in the end, that is... *g* Oh, and I think Thranduil laughed because he thought it was a joke. I mean, they can't be seriously considering leaving the palace again! Well, about Cellyith's mother: He would have more than 2 legs if he were part spider, wouldn't he? Plus, we learn more about his family in ch. 7 - sorry, no spider mom. Uhm, okay, I'll promise, but only if you promise to review within 4 days! *winks* Thanks for the great long review!
Zam - As I said, poor you. Computers can be quite frustrating somtimes... Ask your orc horde for a cookies - they make very good ones! Thanks for reviewing nonetheless! *huggles her*
Lina - ROTFL, 'scuttle like the wind'? I like that! Well, yes, Éomer and the Rohirrim get a present! *pulls out a union certificate* Here you go! Rohirrim: What? *confused* I mean, hey! You work for Lina non-stop! Does she pay you alright? What about holidays? Overtime money and all that? Huh? You need a labour union! Éomer: Rohirrim!! She is right! ROHIRRIM!! *ride off to their first union meeting* So, now that's settled...uhm, Lina, why are you looking at me like that? Lina ... come on ... it's not that bad, they still love you ... LINA!! Help! LOL, 'BNOGO'?? That _does_ sound desperate! *sighs* Could you please stop hurting my villains? I need them for the story - no, you can't just kill them 'a little', it doesn't work that way... *giggles* Great review! Thanks!
Nilbrethiliel - Och, ich habe eigentlich gar nichts gegen die armen kleinen Elflinge... Und Legolas ist auch gar nicht mein Hauptziel! Ich meine, hey, es macht doch viel mehr Spass den armen unschuldigen kleinen Ranger zu quaelen, oder? Mir auf jeden Fall... *evil grin* Ach, wer liebt denn Elben nicht? Sogar Celeborn ist cool, und DER ist doch nun wirklich schwul, oder? UNd Recht hast du, Hannibal ist in der Tat vor mehr als 20 Jahren von uns gegeangen, das ist so eher ... hm, 2170 oder so? Ich wuerde gar nicht mal sagen, dass du verrueckt bist, eher ... anders? *g* Sind wir doch alle...
Fliewatuet - *Nili does happy little dance* You reviewed! Thanks! I always LOVE 'seeing' people I 'know'... *g* Hmm, Seobryn, let me think... His next appearance is next chapter, I think, and he will be in the rest of the story as well. Not _that_ much, but he'll be there. Well, about the internet access: I have no idea! Really, I've moved about 10 times in my life, and NEVER before have they provided me/my family with telephone or internet access on time. Usually they start telling you that you don't exist. 'What, connection 12345? No, sorry, there is no such telephone number. You do not exist. Please stop bothering us or we'll sick the dogs and lawyers on you. Have a nice day.' *shrugs* It was a miracle, pure and simple... *g*
Jambaby1963 - Well, I don't like it when chapters are so long! It _want_ to write chapters of about 12 pages, and never manage to. That's very frustrating! I mean, really, chapter 8 is 16 or 17 pages long! *grrr* I just have no control whatsoever over the plot, that's the problem. Glad you lke it though. Thanks for reviewing!
Nikara - Aragorn will fall off his horse? Well, to be perfectly honest, I never even considered that, but now ... it's a good idea! Thanks! *g* And thanks for wishing me luck, I'll definitely ned it!
Tapetum Lucidum - Guten Tag to you too, or rather Guten Abend, since it's evening now... Oh yes, I'm quite sure that Legolas' life will be in danger should he visit Imladris in the near future, but then again, so may be the twins' if they come back to Mirkwood - Legolas really doesn't like it when somebody touches his weapons... *g* Oh, yes. *nods head* They sure are protective of each other. LOL, no, I don't think that the baddies want a handsome elf! What should they do with him? Ack, wait a second, better _don't_ answer that! *wide-eyed* Hannibal is leader of the A-team, huh? And I really can't see why he even bothered with the elephants - he still lost! *shakes head* Men...
Arwen-Evenstar - *blushes* Now, it wasn't _that_ good - but thanks for saying it anyway! *g* Glad you like it so much, thanks for the review!
CrazyLOTRfan - *hangs head* I know, this wasn't a cliffy - I'm so ashamed of myself... Sorry, no cliffy this time! But the next chapter has one, promise! As does chapter 8 and probably 9... *evil grin* But yes, you're the first to complain, somehow most don't like cliffies - I don't know why either! *g*
Leggylover03 - Don't worry, here's the next bit, see? I try to update every four days, hope that's soon enough for you! Thanks for reviewing!
Miss Understood - Elrohir and Elladan trained your balrog? *gulps* Okay, but I still have Fred sr. my pet warg and a few nazgûl that live in my bathroom. See? YOu can't win!! Mhahahaah! Hmm, thinking about it, I don't miss my father, no. I just never think about him, that's probably why. And c'est la vie means 'That's life'. Sorry! I don't know any French either, just the things that are more or less common knowledge - you know, the stuff you hear in movies and such. *shrugs and grins* C'est la vie.
Alilacia - Yeah, the TTT soundtrack really isn't that cheerful, is it? *narrows eyes* How did you know that something bad will happen to Legolas? *shrugs* Might be because this is one of my stories and something bad is bound to happen... *evil grin* LIVE is great, really. There is that one CD, 'The distance to here', which is the only CD I can think of I like. I mean, I like all the songs, without exception, and that has never happened before. Good luck with your new job!
Alexa - Uhm, well, yes, poor Aragorn - but he won't talk about it for a while, I'm afraid - the way things are going right now, probably in chapter 11 or something... You might be correct about the twins, I think - they do not forgive easily. *g* 'Wicked soon', huh? Well, I don't know, I hope this was soon enough!
ThE iNsAnE oNe - Oh, you hurt your ankle? Poor you! *hands her 'Nólad maintenance kit' as a get-well-present* I still remember what my knee felt like when I wrenched it - as if someone was squeezing it in a vice, actually... *g* Oh, Elladan and Elrohir are quite vengeful, aren't they? Understandable, actually... *g* LOL, Elrohir has rabies now?? *giggles* Serves him right. *frowns* Why would Nólad run away when he heard my name? I don't get it, really... *g* Hope your ankle gets better soon! *huggles her carefully* I'll go and see if I can find Elrond. ELROND!!! *in the distance, a panic-stricken scream can be heard, followed by the sounds of someone running away very fast* Don't worry, I'll find him... *g*
Helen T - Talk with Hithrawyn? Are you mad? *g* He would probably seize the chance to poison poor Estel... Hmm, usually I try to make my readers happy, but I really don't think I can shueezw in a szene like that. I fear it would interrupt the flow of the story, since Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir do not make an appearance in this story anymore.... Pehaps I could do it in a letter to Thranduil from Elrond or something like that... *shrugs* I don't know yet, I'll think about it. Holiday!? Hah! Certainly not! All other people ARE on holiday, you're right there, but our term ends Mid-July. Great. And then we have exams, after the end of term, yes. Don't ask.
Thanks for all the reviews! They really help a lot, especially when you're _supposed_ to do something else than post on FF.net... *g*
A/N:
*blinks innocently* Just _why_ do you all think that something bad will happen to out favourite elven prince and ranger? I mean, really! It's just a simple little visit to a nearby allied town, what could possibly go wrong? *evil giggle* Yes, what indeed...
Well, I'm hurt. Contrary to popular belief, my only aim in life is _not_ to hurt and torture those two! *shrugs* But, dear friends, accidents just happen, don't they... And then there's still my alter ego to consider whom I blame for chapter 8, btw. *points at herself, which makes her look a lot like Gollum* All HER fault! *g*
Oh, and I absolutely agree with you: Aragorn should really talk about his nightmares, but you know him: He's stubborn. Plus, he's a man, and we all know how unreasonable men can be sometimes... *runs off to escape angry male readers* Anyway, he WILL talk about them, later. Believe me, in the near future nightmares will be the least of their worries. *g*
Very well, on to chapter 6 then! Just as promised, we will see more of the evil men whose popularity will probably not increase after this, and Legolas finds out about a conspiracy in his father's halls. *g*
Enjoy and review, please!
Chapter 6
Two days later, Legolas was smiling happily as he walked down the hallways of his father's palace. Today had truly been a good day, well, except for the one, small mishap perhaps. But if one counted carefully, then the two good things outweighed the one bad thing, so it had mainly been a good day.
The first good thing was that his father had really allowed them to go to Lake-town, which, even though Legolas had hoped he would, surprised him slightly. He had had a long argument with him, but in the end his father had relented and given his permission, provided that they took Celylith with them and would return in two week's time.
Otherwise, the golden haired king had stated threateningly, he would send a contingent of warriors after them with the orders to drag them back to the palace in a most undignified manner.
Legolas had joyfully agreed of course, in fact, he would even have agreed to a larger escort, but that wasn't something his father needed to know. But it was probably better this way, he reasoned, making his way slowly down the steps leading to the great hall, Seobryn would probably not survive a journey with more than two or three elves.
'Even though,' the prince admitted with a small smile, 'He has improved. Today he didn't run away, looked at me and answered my question.'
The second good thing that had happened was the fact that Celylith was speaking to him again. Two days ago he had tried to talk to him, telling the silver haired elf that his behaviour was more than stupid and unbecoming an elven warrior, but his friend had just looked at him with a cold expression in his blue eyes and left without a word.
Now Celylith seemed to have decided himself that he had made his friend suffer long enough and kindly stooped to talking to him again, something for which Legolas was secretly very thankful for. He had already lost one of his two best childhood friends, namely Glónduil, and he didn't want to lose his second one as well, and because of a spider at that.
Besides, it would make things a lot easier, he thought, stepping out into the courtyard, wondering for a moment when it would begin to snow. The grey clouds hung heavily over the trees, and it smelled so much like snow that he was expecting the first snow flakes any minute now. Or it would at least be as easy as it ever was with his friend, but everything was better than having to travel with a companion that adamantly refused to talk to you.
Legolas stopped shortly, turning to speak to a passing warrior.
"Have you seen the dúnadan, Strider?"
The other elf seemed to think about that for a second before his face lit up.
"Yes, my lord, I have. He was near the smithies a short while ago."
Legolas thanked the other elf and slowly made his way over to the part of the spacious courtyard where the smithies were located, a bit away from all wooden buildings in case a fire broke out, which truly happened once in a while. But a smithy without a little fire now and then wasn't a real smithy, the prince thought wryly. As elflings he and his friends had quite often prayed for one, because it usually caused general confusion when every able person ran for the smithies to extinguish the flames before they could spread to the palace. That left them unguarded and alone for a while, and it had been more than enough time for them to regularly escape their nursemaids and teachers.
These thoughts automatically brought him to the subject of his human friend, and Legolas was beginning to get slightly worried. While he didn't think that Aragorn would set fire to the palace, he was beginning to wonder what the young ranger wanted down here. He was Elladan's and Elrohir's brother, after all, and it always paid to be wary of his intentions.
'Those little orcs,' Legolas fumed at the thought of the twins. 'When I get my hands on them I will…'
What the two Noldorin elves had left behind was of course the one bad thing that had happened today. He should have known, Legolas decided grumpily, the twins would never have allowed him to get away this easily…
The fair haired elf looked up, realising that he had reached his destination. Looking around for his friend, he finally spotted him where he was just leaving the house of one of the weapon smiths, the deep scratch on his forehead already healed without leaving a mark, thanks to the blood of the Men of Westernesse that flowed in his veins. He watched as Aragorn turned at the door, smiling and bowing lightly to Legandir, who was possibly the best weapon smith in all elvish realms, with the possible exception of the Galadhrim.
Legolas felt his mouth go dry. He didn't know what Aragorn wanted from Legandir, but he was rather sure it couldn't be good. Vowing to himself to be on his guard in the future, he called out a greeting.
Aragorn who had just left the house whirled round and looked at his elven friend with big, somewhat guilty eyes.
"Legolas! I thought you were with your father!"
Legolas eyed the man suspiciously.
"I was. We finished our discussion a few minutes ago."
"Oh. Perfect," Aragorn muttered, shooting the smithy he had just left a furtive glance. Had Legolas seen him with Legandir?
"What are you doing here? And don't you want to know what my father had to say?" the elven prince asked the other, not really expecting an honest answer, which Aragorn was by no means willing to give.
"Oh, nothing really," the ranger said, steering his friend back into the direction of the palace. "Just … walking. Nothing more." Ignoring the dubious look the blonde elf shot him, he added, "And of course I want to know. What did he say?"
Legolas gave his friend a long stare. Very well, he thought, when Aragorn wasn't prepared to answer him, he would have to find out otherwise, somehow. He was the crown prince after all, and Legandir had to answer his questions.
He looked at the young man solemnly.
"I am sorry, Strider," he said, watching with wicked glee how Aragorn's eager face fell. "I am sorry, but … we have to take Celylith with us."
It took the young man a moment to realise what his friend had just said.
"You mean we can go?"
"Yes, Estel, we may," Legolas answered, smiling at the other.
"When would we have to leave?" Aragorn asked, looking suddenly worried.
Legolas frowned, growing more confused by the second. Why was Aragorn worried about their time of departure? Usually the ranger couldn't get started on a journey soon enough.
'There is something definitely odd going on here,' the prince decided, a feeling of dread beginning to sneak up on him.
"In two or three days," he answered, surveying his friend closely.
At that Aragorn gave a relieved smile.
"Oh. That's perfect then."
"Why?" the fair haired elf asked boldly, narrowing his eyes at his friend.
"Hm? Oh, no special reason."
"Aragorn…" Legolas growled threateningly.
"What?" the human asked, turning innocent grey eyes on the young elf. "What is it? Did you find another of my brothers' … gifts?"
The elven prince's eyes flashed dangerously.
"As a matter of fact, I did. But that's not what I meant, and you know it. You are avoiding my questions, once again."
The dark haired ranger lowered his eyes to the ground, somewhat ashamed. Yes, he had been avoiding all questions Legolas had addressed at him concerning his nightmares, and as sorry as he was for worrying his friend, he just couldn't talk about them. Especially not with Legolas. It was silly enough that he was having these dreams at all, and the last thing he wanted was to burden his elven friend with them.
"I don't want to talk about that yet again, Legolas," he said flatly.
Legolas shook his head. That stubborn human! Well, he would give him a few more days and then he would force him to tell him! Or even sooner if he kept sleeping as little as he did.
"Fine, human," he snapped, growing angry against his will. "Then don't talk to me! You are just as bad as those demon-brothers of yours!"
He turned and was about to disappear into the royal gardens, when a hand closed around his arm and held him back.
"What did they do?" Aragorn asked softly, looking at him with imploring eyes.
Accepting this as the peace offer it was, the elven prince turned back to his friend.
"They glued my spare knives to their sheaths."
"They did what?" the young human exclaimed, everything else forgotten.
"You heard me," Legolas growled, but his eyes twinkled playfully.
"Elbereth," Aragorn whispered. "Well, I don't even know why I am surprised. The other things were far too obvious after all."
Legolas had to agree. The other booby traps had been far too easy to find, even though he had to give the twins some credit for the water snakes in his bathing pool. He didn't even want to know where they had got the animals from, or how they had got them into his room.
"They will wish they'd never been born the next time I see them," Legolas hissed, silver-blue eyes darkening.
Aragorn winced and asked himself if his brothers had truly known what they had been doing when they had touched the elven prince's weapons. Everybody knew that Legolas could react rather … strangely when the matter concerned his bow or knives, and anyone who laid hands on them or made derogatory comments about them was in the danger of dying an unexpected, violent death.
'Ah well,' he thought. 'They are over 2800 years old. It's their problem, not mine.'
"Uhm, perhaps they didn't mean to?" he asked in a half-hearted attempt to defend the twins.
Legolas only raised an eyebrow and gave him a cold stare.
"Forget I said anything," Aragorn shrugged.
Together they began to climb the steps leading up to the main building.
"Is your father holding court right now?" Aragorn asked, keeping his eyes straight ahead.
"No, I don't think so," Legolas replied, taken aback, instantly suspicious. "Why?"
"Oh, I just need to talk with him about something. Do you think he would receive me now?"
The prince just stared at his friend. Aragorn wanted to talk with his father? This was highly unusual, for, even if he wasn't exactly afraid of Thranduil, the ranger harboured more than a little bit of respect for him and had never before sought out the King of Mirkwood to "talk with him about something".
This just couldn't be good.
"Legolas?" the human's voice drew him back to the present.
"Yes. Yes, I think so. Just ask Galion for a short audience," he said slowly, his eyes surveying his friend.
"Excellent!" Aragorn exclaimed and clapped the fair haired elf on the back. "You can go and inform Celylith, I will do the same with Seobryn later. I will see you later, mellonamin!"
The young ranger gave his elven friend a last smile before he turned and walked away into the direction of King Thranduil's study, cheerfully greeting warriors and elf lords as he passed them.
Legolas just remained where he was, watching his departing friend's back. This was one strange thing too many that had happened to him today, he decided, blinking slowly. There was something odd going on here, and it seemed that his father was part of it.
"Ilúvatar, what is Arda coming to?" he asked himself loudly as he went off to search for his silver haired friend and inform him of their journey, causing one of his father's councillors to glance at him curiously.
How true, the older elf thought as he watched his prince disappear round a bend in the corridor, muttering to himself, what was everything coming to? First Lord Elrond and his snorting, and now Prince Legolas.
The world was changing, indeed.
Adruran was the surveying the empty room in case he had forgotten something. While he didn't think that whatever he could leave behind could somehow be linked to him, he didn't want to risk anything. He hadn't reached the ripe age of 41 years by carelessness or unorganised behaviour.
He chuckled inwardly. Indeed, to have reached an age of 41 summers was something rather unique in his field of work, especially when one considered whom he worked for. His lord wasn't known to be very lenient towards those who disappointed him, and neither was he a patient or controlled man. It was a dangerous business working for him, but then again, refusing his offers and not working for him was even more dangerous and, more often than not, deadly.
So, the only thing a sensible man could do was not to fail him and be in his presence as little as possible, and up until now, he had succeeded, and in the process had become quite rich. His liege may have a temper, but he did indeed pay those who carried out his orders successfully most handsomely.
'Of course he does,' Adruran thought, closing the door and heading down to the main room of the tavern to pay for the rooms he and his men had occupied. 'Of course he pays us well. No-one has ever kept a realm together for long only by sheer terror, and he knows that. You have to give people a good reason for working for you, after all. Except the obvious of course, such as beheading if they don't.'
The noise that washed over him when he entered the tavern was almost deafening after the quiet stillness of his room, and he stopped at the door to reorient himself for a second. The spacious room was already three-quarters full, and more and more people were yet streaming into the inn. All seemed to be in high spirits, drinking and laughing merrily, tankards raised high into the air as the men and women toasted someone.
Adruran strained to understand the name, and over the drunken laughter and merry words he finally managed to discern a name: Bard. More precisely, Bard the Bowman, but it could have been Maude the Mophead or Wat the Woman as well, so slurred did most of the voices sound already.
He had to stifle a grin. As interesting as those last two possibilities sounded, he was rather sure that the Lake-men had no reason to toast a person with such strange a name, besides, if he remembered it correctly, Bard had been the one who had shot Smaug the Dragon when he had been attacking Esgaroth twelve years ago.
And he had done a great job, he thought sarcastically, shot the thing so that it crashed into the town and completely destroyed it. Well done indeed.
"To Bard!" a drunken voice sounded.
"Bard! Bard! King of Dale!" others joined in. "May he live another 45 years!"
Other voices congratulated the king on his 43rd or 48th birthday, so there seemed to be some confusion over the actual age.
Adruran shook his head as he paid the rent that had accumulated over the past eight days. The whole town seemed to be celebrating the birthday of their saviour, but then again, that would only aid his plans. When the guards were as drunk as the majority of the people here, then slipping out of Esgaroth would prove to be a lot easier than he had originally feared.
With a last look at the merry folk in the tavern he stepped out of the building onto the wooden catwalk that ran around the house. He looked at the night sky when a small, cold drop of frozen water touched his cheek. The tall man sighed softly. Of course it had to snow now, he thought wryly, was there a better time than the evening of their departure?
He nodded at the shadows near the door.
"Tiddryr."
A second later his red haired lieutenant appeared, stepping out of the darkness and into the cone of light the open door produced, shaking his head.
"One of these days you have to tell me how you do that, sir."
His captain smiled mirthlessly.
"Oh, I learned it from a ranger, a few years back," he said, suppressing the sudden annoyance he felt. He really wasn't in the mood for talking with his subordinates about trivial things.
The younger man raised a copper eyebrow and asked, following his captain into the direction of the town's outskirts,
"How did you come to meet him?"
"It was during a mission when I was a bit younger," Adruran explained, reining his temper. "We got along quite well, I think. That was before I had to slit his throat, of course." He turned to give his companion a thin smile. "He asked too many questions."
Tiddryr swallowed once, averting his eyes. Satisfied that the other had understood his message, Adruran took up his purposeful walk once more.
A short while later they had had crossed several wooden bridges, a few stone bridges (an innovation the new Master of the Town had introduced for the unlikely case that another dragon might want to attack and set fire to the whole settlement, or maybe just to prevent the spreading of ordinary fires) and quite a lot of unmanned gates, and finally they reached the part of the town near the big quays, the reloading-point of the goods that came up from the south via the River Running.
The otherwise so busy embankments were empty and deserted since all the workers were busy celebrating in one of the town's many inns. That made this place even more perfect than it had been a few days ago when he had chosen it as a hiding place, Adruran thought, silently nearing a large, obviously abandoned warehouse. The windows were barricaded with large, wooden boards, parts of the roof were missing and the doors were tightly closed and locked with crude metal locks.
'Or so it appears', the dark haired man thought wryly, 'But as so often in this world, appearances can be deceiving…'
When they had reached the door, it swung inwards at once, the wood creaking slightly as it did so. Adruran nodded in satisfaction; so the guards on the roof had done their job well and informed the others of his arrival.
He entered the warehouse, nodding slightly at the two guards that stood on either side of the entrance, their swords drawn in case any uninvited visitors decided to show up. He walked a little bit further into the room and stopped at a group of five of his men, who were talking quietly amongst themselves.
"Geran. Report," he demanded curtly, nodding at the youngest of the men who was still in command of the small troupe. In Adruran's opinion age shouldn't be the decisive factor in questions such as a command, and until now the youth hadn't disappointed him, even though he had the feeling that some of the young man's 'hobbies' might cause trouble rather sooner than later.
The young man turned to his commander and straightened his shoulders.
"We are ready to leave, sir. The horses are behind the warehouse, we have enough provisions for a month and all the men are here. The rents have been paid, there have been no fights or brawls, and no-one seemed to have taken any inappropriate interest in us. We can be gone in a quarter of an hour."
Adruran smiled slightly.
"Well done, Geran." He turned to the rest of his men. "Get ready to leave. Bleon, you will lead the first group, Tiddryr, you the second. The other two will be commanded by Geran and myself. We will leave in fifteen minutes."
The assembled men nodded and began to move to the back of the warehouse to slip through several openings into the vast yard that was located right behind the building.
Adruran remained behind, looking intently at Geran.
"Has our … guest thought of anything else that might be of use to us?" he asked, beginning to make his way over to one of the dark corners of the building, nearing the spot where two of his men leaned against the wall, looking quite bored.
Geran smiled, a smile that was as cold and emotionless as his dark eyes.
"Oh, he wasn't very talkative anymore. But he … remembered a few hours ago that his friends hadn't left five days ago but only two. He understands now how wrong it was to forget such an important detail."
Adruran shot him a brief look, deciding to keep a close eye on him. Geran obviously enjoyed all this far too much.
"Only two days…" he muttered, his mind spinning with the new information. "That is most fortunate, we might even be able to catch up with them before they reach..."
He fell silent for a while, contemplating what to do next.
"Something else?" he asked, turning back to his young lieutenant.
Geran seemed to think about this for a second before he spoke up.
"Yes, there was something, even though I don't know whether or not it is important. A few of the men have reported that there were some people looking for our friend here."
Adruran followed his subordinate's gaze and looked down at the floor between the two guards, fixing emotionless eyes on the still figure of a man that lay on the dirty ground. At least, he thought detachedly, it had been a man once, now there wasn't enough left of him for his own mother to recognise.
'As I said,' he thought wryly, 'It is all a matter of the proper encouragement.'
Although, it did appeared to him that Geran and his men had overdone it a little bit here, judging by the blood that seemed to be everywhere.
"Really?" he asked, turning mildly interested eyes on the youth. "Now that is interesting. Friends of his?"
"No," Geran shook his head, an amused sparkle in his brown eyes, "He claims he doesn't know them. And I think he speaks the truth; we were … very convincing."
Adruran just gave him a blank stare. He really didn't like this sort of bragging, it was unprofessional and more than a little bit annoying.
"Are you quite finished?" he asked, a dangerous undertone in his voice.
Geran swallowed nervously and nodded, forcing himself to continue.
"Yes, sir. Our … guest said they were probably men in the service of some of those who left with his friends. He doesn't know their names or even who they work for, only that whoever the employer is, he is also very interesting in getting what we want."
The brown haired man frowned in thought as he slowly walked back the way they had come. This got more complicated by the second, he thought irritated, running a hand over his face. He should have known better than to accept this assignment, but on second thought, he had known better. He just hadn't had a real choice in the matter…
Now there were not only two, but three parties involved, not counting his own men?
'Eru,' he sighed inwardly, 'Just for once it would be very enjoyable indeed if everything went according to plan!'
"Very well," he said as he had reached the door leading to the yard, squaring his shoulders and turning to face his lieutenant who had followed him in silence. "You two," he nodded into the direction of the guards, "will stay here and keep an eye on things, just in case anyone else shows an interest in us or our friend here. Should anything happen, one of you will follow us immediately while the other stays behind and tries to learn as much as possible. Do not take any unnecessary risks and, in Eru's name, do not go looking for trouble. Understood?"
The two nodded.
"Yes, sir."
Satisfied that this was taken care of, he shot Geran an unreadable look before he took the last steps into the direction of the door, his gaze shortly brushing the unmoving figure in the corner.
"Dispose of him."
Geran grinned slightly, deciding that a quick death was probably a mercy. One way or the other, the man wouldn't live to see another dawn. A question forming in his mind, he followed his captain for some steps and asked,
"How, sir? We don't have much time."
Adruran stopped and slowly turned around, an unbelieving expression on his face.
"Great Ones, how? Use your head, boy! We are on the middle of the Long Lake!"
He watched with some satisfaction how the younger man blushed and nodded, snapping at the two other men to get him some weights as he turned to walk back to his half-dead prisoner.
He stepped out of the warehouse, breathing in the cold air and idly watching the gently falling snow.
The waiting was finally over, he thought relieved as he made his way over to his horse. Now all they needed to do was find the other party and … persuade them to tell them where it was located, find it and get some of it back to his lord.
That would be enough to satisfy his liege, Adruran thought, and that was all he wanted. And if possible, satisfy him before winter began in earnest and made this whole episode even more unpleasant than it already was.
Legolas lay in bed, one half of him too lazy and one half too terrified to get up.
The lazy half was owned to the fact that the last evening had been spent with songs and dance and drink in the great hall in the process of a goodbye-feast, something which he thought highly unnecessary. After all, they were going to be gone for two weeks at the most, not on a two year-patrol.
But then again, the Silvan folk of Eryn Lasgalen didn't always need a real reason for singing and being merry, and so the night had been spent with drink and laughter.
The prince had to smile. Aragorn and he had spent most of the time making up ambiguous songs about spiders and butterflies and had almost suffocated with laughter when Celylith had shot them mock glares. It had been quite funny indeed, until his father had suspiciously inquired where their newfound love for arachnids originated from.
Yes, Legolas thought, it had been an enjoyable albeit late evening, and he was looking forward to many more of such evenings during the cold days of the winter season.
The terrified part was due to the fact that he, Estel, Seobryn and Celylith would be leaving for Esgaroth today. He was quite eager to get out of the palace, of course, and yesterday had been beautiful with a clear blue sky and lots of snow that promised making travelling with humans even more enjoyable, from an elf's point of view, of course, but here he had to agree with his father: Something had to happen.
He didn't yet know what would happen, when it would happen or even to whom it would happen, but happen it would, the son of Thranduil thought darkly. "It" would result in him dragging Estel back to the palace to face his father's wrath, or maybe the other time round for a change. The only thing he was sure about was the facing-his-father's-wrath-bit, something he seemed to be unable to avoid.
'Get up, coward,' a familiar sarcastic voice muttered inside his head, 'What will come to pass, will come to pass, whether you hide in your chambers or not.'
Grumbling the fair haired elf got up, washed and dressed, pondering how it was possible that that voice sounded like a mix between Aragorn and the Lady Galadriel now.
'Besides,' he thought ill-temperedly, 'I beg to differ. Hiding here would solve quite a lot of my problems.'
He finished dressing and walked over into the next room where he had piled up the things he wanted to take with him, mainly weapons, spare clothes and enough healing herbs and bandages to open a small apothecary. An apothecary that wouldn't need to replenish its stocks for quite some years to come.
Scanning the small mountain of packs and satchels, Legolas noticed two things: First, that he should probably pack a few more bandages, one could never have enough of them, and second, that his quiver was missing.
A low growl of annoyance was beginning to build in his chest. He should have known it, he thought irritated, he should have known that accursed human was up to something. The past two days had been highly unusual, to say the least.
When he had tried to get Legandir, the smith, to tell him what Aragorn had wanted from him, the dark haired elf had only looked at him with barely hidden amusement and told him how very sorry he was, but that he couldn't answer his questions by order of the king and that he should take it up with him.
His father wouldn't give him a straight answer either, only telling him that everything would be "revealed in due time" and using the opportunity to lecture him on the virtues of patience.
He didn't even try to get Aragorn to tell him, for he knew that all attempts would be useless. Apart from the incredible stubbornness the young ranger seemed to have adopted another of his elven brothers' traits, namely to avoid questions with extraordinary skill, something that would probably serve him well in the future, especially if he ever became King of Gondor and Arnor. Right now however it was decidedly annoying.
Fine, Legolas decided, it was time to end this charade. If his father and Aragorn had wanted to play a little game with him, then that was alright, but enough was enough. No-one touched his weapons, even if the quiver had only held one of his older bows he had chosen as a replacement for the one he had lost some weeks ago. No-one.
Silver-blue eyes flashing with suppressed anger, he flung his door open and made his way over to his friend's. He thought about knocking, but quickly abandoned that idea. Had Aragorn knocked when he had taken his weapons?
He opened the door with a little bit more force than necessary, causing it to bounce against the wall, but to his surprise and annoyance, the young ranger wasn't in his rooms.
Legolas scowled at the empty room and stormed out, shooting a passing servant girl a grim look. No, he thought, this time his friend wouldn't get away so easily. He would find him and teach him what happened if one touched a wood-elf's weapons.
Half an hour later though, he was beginning to get rather annoyed. It was almost as if the young human had vanished into thin air, and none of those Legolas had questioned had seen him or knew where he could be. If he hadn't been in such a foul mood, he might even have given the ranger some credit for this, since it was no small feat indeed to avoid detection by Silvan elves, but right now he was quite preoccupied with imagining all the things he would do to the man once he found him, starting with using him for target practise.
Feeling very annoyed and rather frustrated now, the elven prince turned with a growl and headed back to the main building. Just as he was entering the great hall, he heard a voice behind him that made him whirl around.
"Legolas! Good morning, my friend, are you ready to leave?"
Legolas narrowed his eyes and stared at the innocent face of his human friend.
"Where. Is. It." he managed to grind out between gritted teeth.
Aragorn gulped once, obviously plucking up his courage.
"Where is what, my friend? Didn't you sleep well?"
The blonde elf merely stepped closer, smiling sweetly and grabbing the man's arm while he pushed him out of the hall.
"My quiver, human, as you well know. Don't make me hurt you, and don't think I wouldn't. I remember the sparring match from yesterday, you are quite well again."
The young ranger tried to escape his friend's firm grip, without much success however.
"Well, I don't have it," he said, turning huge silver eyes on the irate elf that was steering him into the direction of his room.
"That was not what I asked, Strider," Legolas said in a low voice, still smiling eerily at him. Aragorn suppressed a shudder. That smile made the elf look positively dangerous. "I was asking where it…"
They had reached his room now, and the elven prince stopped in mid-sentence, staring dumbstruck at the pile of bags that still sat on the floor of his chambers. And at the quiver, complete with bow, that sat in front of it.
Aragorn hid a grin and did his best to look indignant and aggrieved.
"Well, there it is! Honestly, you drag me through half of the palace to show me that your quiver is exactly where you left it yesterday evening?"
Legolas just kept staring at his quiver, slowly letting go of the human's arm. This wasn't possible! He was sure it hadn't been here when he had awoken…
He took one step closer to his weapons, and couldn't quite hide a gasp of surprise when he eyed them more closely. This wasn't his old bow he had had for a few decades now, it was a new one, the string still coiled around the dark wood.
And it was beautiful, in fact, possibly the most beautiful bow he had ever seen, apart from the twins' longbows that were a gift from their grandparents, the Lord and Lady of the Galadhrim. And since the elves of Lothlórien weren't exactly known for giving away their weapons, he saw little chance of ever possessing such a beautiful bow himself.
But this one was perfect. It was made of dark wood, inlaid with wreathing strands of gold at the ends and in the middle, a strong, beautifully crafted piece of work that did his people's craftsmanship justice.
Legolas slowly took a step closer, half-afraid that it might vanish if he moved too quickly. He reached out and closed his fingers around the bow, taking it out of the quiver and running his hands over the wood, feeling for imperfections and – of course – finding none. It was perfectly balanced as well, and it fit in his hand as if it had been made for him.
He turned back to his friend, the weapon still in hand.
"How … what …?"
Aragorn grinned, silver eyes gleaming. It was a rare occurrence indeed to see the always so collected Prince of Mirkwood confused and at a loss for words, and the sight greatly amused him.
"How was I to know that you would get up so early? The plan was to get it back here before you had risen, but I was a little too slow, I guess."
Legolas tore his eyes away from the new bow, staring hard at the human.
"Where did you get it? Why did you get it?"
The young ranger sat down on a wooden chair in front of the fireplace, shrugging lightly.
"Legandir was so kind to make it for you. And you needed a bow, that's why."
"But, Aragorn," Legolas began, still more than a little taken off guard, "Legandir never takes orders just like that. He needs at least two months for something like this."
Aragorn grinned, eyes dancing with amusement.
"Oh, Elladan ordered it for me six weeks ago. He can be quite convincing, believe me. And I spoke with your father about it to make sure we wouldn't give you the same present. We agreed to share this gift, so to speak. His request might have helped some, as well."
The fair haired elf shook his head.
"Not even ada can order Legandir to do something he doesn't want to do. He is the best weapon smith north of Lórien, and he knows that perfectly well. What did you promise him in return for," he returned his eyes to his new bow and continued in an awed whisper, "for this masterpiece?"
The young human shrugged nonchalantly.
"Oh, not much. I think the agreement was my immortal soul and my first born should I ever sire children. Nothing of great importance, really." He chuckled at his friend's indignant look. "It is a gift, my friend. You lost your bow because of me and the least I can do is make sure you receive a new one. Your father and I didn't want to see you without a weapon worthy of your skill. Just accept it."
Legolas looked at the human, shaking his head slightly.
"You are impossible, Strider. This bow is worth more than a small human village."
"And so it should be," Aragorn replied softly, smiling at the elf. "Besides, I didn't act out of selflessness. I need someone to cover my back when you get us into trouble once more."
"I?" Legolas asked incredulously, carefully putting the weapon back into the quiver. "I, human? It is you who stirs up the trouble, not me." He quickly walked over to his friend's chair and pulled the human to his feet. "Thank you," he said, grasping Aragorn's forearms tightly and looking at him earnestly, his silver-blue eyes shining brightly. "It is beautiful. Thank you, mellonamin."
Aragorn simply nodded, squeezing his elven friend's arms lightly.
"You should go and thank your father. Without his assistance I don't think I would have been able to convince Master Legandir of the importance of this particular assignment."
Legolas smiled and released the human's forearms.
"He can be quite … eccentric sometimes."
Aragorn snorted as they made their way down the corridor into the direction of King Thranduil's chambers.
"'Eccentric' is quite a mild term, I think. It took me ages to convince him that I couldn't wait a yén or two."
Legolas grinned at the young ranger, eyes twinkling.
"Oh, I think you could have waited a yén. Two might have been tricky though, even for a Númenórean."
"Not all of us can wait a few centuries for a new weapon, elf," Aragorn retorted laughing. "Besides, you needed it today. The chances that you won't need it on this journey are…"
"Slim to none, my friend. I know," the elven prince retorted, turning serious again.
The chances were slim indeed, he thought as they neared his father's rooms to say their thanks and good-byes. The day Aragorn and he returned from any expedition unscathed, in one piece and overall uninjured would be the day orcs saw the errors of their ways, adopted acceptable manners and were able to converse in civilised voices.
In other words, that day lay probably a long while in the future. But that fact wouldn't deter him from trying. One never knew what the future held, and this time might be the time it finally happened.
Besides, what could possibly happen on their way to Esgaroth or in the town itself, he asked himself as they stopped in front of his father's door.
They would be just fine, and perhaps they would even return without a scratch.
Perhaps.
TBC...
dúnadan - 'Man of the West', ranger
mellonamin - my friend
ada - father (daddy)
yén - elvish unit of time, eqivalent to 144 years
*stares at screen in disgust* What am I doing? No cliffy since chapter 3?! I've got to see a doctor, I'm ill or something... *g* Be that as it may, Legolas now has a new bow! Yay! So, now they're on their way to Lake-town, where they will arrive next chapter. *shivers with excitement* Oh, what will happen? Will they even manage to cross the bridges before trouble finds them? *evil cackle*
Well, answers to that and more in the next post, probably on Friday. Reviews are greatly appreciated. Please? I'm begging here! *g*
Additional A/N:
Coreinha - Just one question: Why are you threatening me with a squirrel? I mean, they are not exactly ... fearsome, are they? And I don't think I would hurry anyway, because I really don't have much time right now. Besides, I really _do_ enjoy making you guys wait for the chappies... *evil grin* And can't you just shift the chatgroup to the Microsoft Messenger or something? I really hate AOL! *grumbles* I'll think about it, okay?
Gwyn - *g* Ah well, it's not really a 'conspiracy'-conspiracy, if you know what I mean... You probably don't, that because I'm not making any sense at all... *shrugs* Ah well, that's me, I guess... Thanks for reviewing!
TrinityTheSheDevil - A *cough* naked Aragorn? *turns red* Uhm, I don't know ... what about ... no? I'm not a Slash writer, for cryin' out loud! I would DIE before I even got past the sentence "And Aragorn was naked...". *giggles* No way. *splutters some more* Whatever. *evil grin* So you like Aragorn angst? *rubs hands* Good for you, m'dear, because, you know, there is chapter 7 and 8 and 9 and there they... *closes mouth* I'm not telling! And don't think your spider could eat me! Stan never sleeps, plus there's Fred sr. (my warg) and a few nazgûl that live in my bathroom. Okay? *g*
E - *nods sadly* I know. Were are very sick and should seek professional help. *g* A certain nasty elf and a sick human that come to visit Aragorn's dreams? Well, that just _might_ be correct. *g* No, you're right, they never learn, but then again, if they did our lives would be soooo boring, wouldn't they? *huggles E* Thanks! I really need all the luck I can possibly get. Last Friday I was there when the prof - figuratively speaking, of course - ripped the last paper and the poor person who had written it to pieces. Tiny pieces, so tiny that you couldn't find them with a magnifying glass. *shudders* It wasn't a pretty sight, believe me...
Aralondwen - Hoi! Aralondwen! Nice to see you again - is that a flame thrower you're holding? *shakes head* Why am I even asking? *narrows eyes* And you _should_ be sorry for not reviewing sooner! I mean, hey, I spend FAR too much time in front of the screen to give you a little chapter once in a while and you... J/k, don't worry! Thanks for updating now! *hugs her and grabs a marshmallow* Thanks - mmm, yummy...
Firniswen - Well well well, you can't have everything, can you? *evil grin* Patinece, patience you need to learn, young one... *sounding eerily like Yoda* Ah well. The next part's here, thanks for the review!
XsilicaX - *shakes her hand* Welcome to the club of the arachnophobic FF writers. I positively loathe them! Yeah well, let's say Legolas would very much lik to help his friend, if only Aragorn would let him... *shakes head in exasperation* Stubborn, reckless human, that one... Hey, you are a great reviewer! You always make me laugh! *pokes her back* Well, preciousss, than you'll have to wait, wesss thinksss... Wess really hatessss AOL, yes we doesss, preciousss.... Had many traumatic experiencesss with it, we had, Gollum Gollum... But as I told Coreinha, if you want to, tell me your screennames and when you'll probably be online and I'll think about it. After I've finished my paper, I think. Okay?
Mouse - *grins* So you think you know what's going to happen? Please, tell me! I want to see if I've become predictable in my old age... This chapter nothing much happens, but you can still tell me? Please? *puppy dog eyes* Well, anyway. Did I ever tell you how very grateful I am for your continued support? Well, in case I haven't... THANKS!! *huggles Mouse*
Elladan - Well, if that review was random, then I like random reviews! Thanks so much for all your kind words! Great you like it!
Halo - 'Bloody long'? What took me so 'bloody long'? Well, I'll be ... that coming from YOU! You who doesn't update more often than once a century!! But don't worry, _I_ *shoots her meaningful glances* wouldn't kill our babies, I'm too afraid for that. Somebody would probably find me and kill me in a slow and painful way... *shudders* No, Happy Endings are a lot nicer! *buries head in hands* So it WAS slang, wasn't it? Shame on me!! I mean, I make a point of not using 'okay' and things like that, and what do I do? I use slang terms! Arghh! *shuffles off dejectedly* But thanks for telling me...
Jenny - *whistles innocently* I don't know either! I mean, would I hurt my babies? Never!! And you are right: I think lecturers' only aim in life id to make our lives miserable. And they're quite good at it, aren't they? *shrugs* Well, okay. Thanks for reviewing!
Ciria - Wohoo, then you're psychic! I mean, if you have a feeling that I updated and I did - hmm, on second thought, might also be because I usually updtae every four days... *g* Oh, my fav ice cream? That's a tough question... I think chocolate with chocolate cookies. That's so good! Oh, and no, my name is not Clodia. That was the name of a Roman noblewoman who was a ... let's say, a very interesting woman. She is said to have killed her husand and a few other people, was involved in every major conspiracy of that time and sister to the most powerful tribunus who wanted to take over the City of Rome and killed all and everyone who stood in his way. *shrugs* Interesting woman, okay? Hmm, I don't think twins could ever confuse each other with a mirror. I've always read that twins don't think they look alike at all, they see tiny differences a normal persons wouldn't even notice. LOL! I love the brush thing! 'Behold, the brush of Isildur!' *giggles* Ah, and I put 'Elros' there because the term _is_ 'the Line of Elros'. I mean, Isildur was only part of that line. Don't worry, I would never let you hang _too_ long! *g*
Kaera - *vertraeumt* Ach ja... Das ist die ultimative Vorstellung aller Personen, die einen Computer besitzen bzw. es mal getan haben - ihn einfach nehmen und aus dem Fenster schmeissen! Hach... LOL, 'Dibbel'? Was is'n das fuer 'n Ausdruck? *schuettelt Kopf* Ihr seid einer schlimmer als der andere. Immer wollt ihr nur Leute leiden sehen... Okay, ich geb's ja zu, ich bin auch nicht anders... Ja, ich merk das schon, du bist echt fixiert auf die Geschichte, was? Mal gucken, was ich da mahcne kann... *taetschelt Kaeeras Schulter* Tust mir echt leid mit deiner verlorenen Muse, ich habe das noch nie gehabt ... aber ich habe auch immer ein 'Geruest' und weiss so ungefaehr, was ich schreiben will... Na ja. Moege sie bald zurueckkommen!
Marbienl - *nods* I really think twins have that kind of connection. I've read abou it, and my biology teacher said it was so. *nods again* Oh, I'm glad you liked that part with the dwarves - I never planned it! It just came to me! *pulls Marbienl back* Will you stop hitting poor Legolas! He was in mortal danger! Really, and Aragorn will be fine - in the end, that is... *g* Oh, and I think Thranduil laughed because he thought it was a joke. I mean, they can't be seriously considering leaving the palace again! Well, about Cellyith's mother: He would have more than 2 legs if he were part spider, wouldn't he? Plus, we learn more about his family in ch. 7 - sorry, no spider mom. Uhm, okay, I'll promise, but only if you promise to review within 4 days! *winks* Thanks for the great long review!
Zam - As I said, poor you. Computers can be quite frustrating somtimes... Ask your orc horde for a cookies - they make very good ones! Thanks for reviewing nonetheless! *huggles her*
Lina - ROTFL, 'scuttle like the wind'? I like that! Well, yes, Éomer and the Rohirrim get a present! *pulls out a union certificate* Here you go! Rohirrim: What? *confused* I mean, hey! You work for Lina non-stop! Does she pay you alright? What about holidays? Overtime money and all that? Huh? You need a labour union! Éomer: Rohirrim!! She is right! ROHIRRIM!! *ride off to their first union meeting* So, now that's settled...uhm, Lina, why are you looking at me like that? Lina ... come on ... it's not that bad, they still love you ... LINA!! Help! LOL, 'BNOGO'?? That _does_ sound desperate! *sighs* Could you please stop hurting my villains? I need them for the story - no, you can't just kill them 'a little', it doesn't work that way... *giggles* Great review! Thanks!
Nilbrethiliel - Och, ich habe eigentlich gar nichts gegen die armen kleinen Elflinge... Und Legolas ist auch gar nicht mein Hauptziel! Ich meine, hey, es macht doch viel mehr Spass den armen unschuldigen kleinen Ranger zu quaelen, oder? Mir auf jeden Fall... *evil grin* Ach, wer liebt denn Elben nicht? Sogar Celeborn ist cool, und DER ist doch nun wirklich schwul, oder? UNd Recht hast du, Hannibal ist in der Tat vor mehr als 20 Jahren von uns gegeangen, das ist so eher ... hm, 2170 oder so? Ich wuerde gar nicht mal sagen, dass du verrueckt bist, eher ... anders? *g* Sind wir doch alle...
Fliewatuet - *Nili does happy little dance* You reviewed! Thanks! I always LOVE 'seeing' people I 'know'... *g* Hmm, Seobryn, let me think... His next appearance is next chapter, I think, and he will be in the rest of the story as well. Not _that_ much, but he'll be there. Well, about the internet access: I have no idea! Really, I've moved about 10 times in my life, and NEVER before have they provided me/my family with telephone or internet access on time. Usually they start telling you that you don't exist. 'What, connection 12345? No, sorry, there is no such telephone number. You do not exist. Please stop bothering us or we'll sick the dogs and lawyers on you. Have a nice day.' *shrugs* It was a miracle, pure and simple... *g*
Jambaby1963 - Well, I don't like it when chapters are so long! It _want_ to write chapters of about 12 pages, and never manage to. That's very frustrating! I mean, really, chapter 8 is 16 or 17 pages long! *grrr* I just have no control whatsoever over the plot, that's the problem. Glad you lke it though. Thanks for reviewing!
Nikara - Aragorn will fall off his horse? Well, to be perfectly honest, I never even considered that, but now ... it's a good idea! Thanks! *g* And thanks for wishing me luck, I'll definitely ned it!
Tapetum Lucidum - Guten Tag to you too, or rather Guten Abend, since it's evening now... Oh yes, I'm quite sure that Legolas' life will be in danger should he visit Imladris in the near future, but then again, so may be the twins' if they come back to Mirkwood - Legolas really doesn't like it when somebody touches his weapons... *g* Oh, yes. *nods head* They sure are protective of each other. LOL, no, I don't think that the baddies want a handsome elf! What should they do with him? Ack, wait a second, better _don't_ answer that! *wide-eyed* Hannibal is leader of the A-team, huh? And I really can't see why he even bothered with the elephants - he still lost! *shakes head* Men...
Arwen-Evenstar - *blushes* Now, it wasn't _that_ good - but thanks for saying it anyway! *g* Glad you like it so much, thanks for the review!
CrazyLOTRfan - *hangs head* I know, this wasn't a cliffy - I'm so ashamed of myself... Sorry, no cliffy this time! But the next chapter has one, promise! As does chapter 8 and probably 9... *evil grin* But yes, you're the first to complain, somehow most don't like cliffies - I don't know why either! *g*
Leggylover03 - Don't worry, here's the next bit, see? I try to update every four days, hope that's soon enough for you! Thanks for reviewing!
Miss Understood - Elrohir and Elladan trained your balrog? *gulps* Okay, but I still have Fred sr. my pet warg and a few nazgûl that live in my bathroom. See? YOu can't win!! Mhahahaah! Hmm, thinking about it, I don't miss my father, no. I just never think about him, that's probably why. And c'est la vie means 'That's life'. Sorry! I don't know any French either, just the things that are more or less common knowledge - you know, the stuff you hear in movies and such. *shrugs and grins* C'est la vie.
Alilacia - Yeah, the TTT soundtrack really isn't that cheerful, is it? *narrows eyes* How did you know that something bad will happen to Legolas? *shrugs* Might be because this is one of my stories and something bad is bound to happen... *evil grin* LIVE is great, really. There is that one CD, 'The distance to here', which is the only CD I can think of I like. I mean, I like all the songs, without exception, and that has never happened before. Good luck with your new job!
Alexa - Uhm, well, yes, poor Aragorn - but he won't talk about it for a while, I'm afraid - the way things are going right now, probably in chapter 11 or something... You might be correct about the twins, I think - they do not forgive easily. *g* 'Wicked soon', huh? Well, I don't know, I hope this was soon enough!
ThE iNsAnE oNe - Oh, you hurt your ankle? Poor you! *hands her 'Nólad maintenance kit' as a get-well-present* I still remember what my knee felt like when I wrenched it - as if someone was squeezing it in a vice, actually... *g* Oh, Elladan and Elrohir are quite vengeful, aren't they? Understandable, actually... *g* LOL, Elrohir has rabies now?? *giggles* Serves him right. *frowns* Why would Nólad run away when he heard my name? I don't get it, really... *g* Hope your ankle gets better soon! *huggles her carefully* I'll go and see if I can find Elrond. ELROND!!! *in the distance, a panic-stricken scream can be heard, followed by the sounds of someone running away very fast* Don't worry, I'll find him... *g*
Helen T - Talk with Hithrawyn? Are you mad? *g* He would probably seize the chance to poison poor Estel... Hmm, usually I try to make my readers happy, but I really don't think I can shueezw in a szene like that. I fear it would interrupt the flow of the story, since Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir do not make an appearance in this story anymore.... Pehaps I could do it in a letter to Thranduil from Elrond or something like that... *shrugs* I don't know yet, I'll think about it. Holiday!? Hah! Certainly not! All other people ARE on holiday, you're right there, but our term ends Mid-July. Great. And then we have exams, after the end of term, yes. Don't ask.
Thanks for all the reviews! They really help a lot, especially when you're _supposed_ to do something else than post on FF.net... *g*