Well, we're in the thick of it now, guys. But, as usual, before the chapter, a few replies:

Well, a lot of you asked the same questions, such as: Is Aragorn alive?! And WHERE IN MIDDLE EARTH IS ELROND?! But I'm afraid, I'm not going to give away the plot, and it's just so FUN to keep y'all guessing! ;)

Lina: Eeeeeh…would this be a VERY bad time to tell you that Edren- umn…never mind. :D Yes, please, Eomer, take her away. And as to the memo, I SENT her an email…*thinks*…but you know, I doubt she knows A from Z anymore, so I'm not surprised if she didn't read it. And well- I'm not TOO BUSY FOR MY FRIENDSES!…well…sometimes…maybe. ;)

Kellen: WELCOME BACK! It's great to see you, I'm glad you could make it. :D

Shanna: Soy feliz que usted obtenga el placer de mi cuento. Lo hace triste, pero quizás resulta bien. ¡Soy feliz para su respuesta! (Perdonen mi español pobre. ;)

Julie: Aaah, you never DID give up on Raustal, did you? LOL! I'm glad you're so loyal to my characters!!

Elven Ice Angel: Don't worry, I can REALLY sympathize to the "getting behind on fan fiction" thing, because I've been having the same problems. Don't worry, though, if you don't post awhile, I'll still know you love the story, and are going to post as soon as you can.

Szhismine: Sorry if it confusing OR boring you, don't worry, we'll get back to Legolas soon enough. But you're going to find it important, knowing what happened in that chapter, just so's you know. And yes, Mirkwood is seriously falling apart. *sigh*

Kayleigh-talitha: LOL! Welcome back! Kill you with cliffies? When have I EVER…well, okay, never mind. ;)

Nikara: Well, in Erfier, at the very end, Thranduil says to send a messenger to Rivendel, and inform Lord Elrond that Aragorn was dead. That's all you know about it thus far, though. As for answering if he knows yet- sorry, I can't answer that. *begins to feel rather like Cassia* ;)

Cassia: OH! I'm so glad you could come and read!! Don't feel guilty if you don't have the time to review every chapter, though, it's not like I'M the most punctual of fans either. ;) And I positively ADORE your stuff, and STILL it takes me forever to review these days. *glares at Dark Visions which is lacking about 12-chapters worth of reviews from her…* ah well, I'm working on it. ;) Thanks so much for stopping by, I hope you enjoy it!! :D AS for Aragorn, well, I can't answer that in-full, but I can say this: It helps to consider the fact that Aragorn got "knocked off" so-to-speak by Bengwiil. Bengwiil…isn't like dieing of natural causes or anything. Yeah. That's about all I can say, I'm afraid. ;) *gives booted Stitch a hug* You're so cute! * throws Stitch into the broom closet* But I'll talk to you later, when I review on Chapter 2 of Traitor. ;)

Maranwe: eh…I'm afraid I can't exactly answer that, but I can say this: You don't find the whole story of Aragorn's fate for another couple chapter or so, but you WILL find out before the half-way mark in Nefredal itself. :D

Kawaii Elf Girl: I wish I could respond to everyone too! But fortunately, I find that if I say I WON'T be able to respond to everyone, I feel less pressured to respond, and that way, I respond quicker, and manage to respond to nearly everyone. :D…that…was…confusing. Hm. Well, at any rate, I'm going to try and respond to everyone I can. I promise to try, people!!

SilvanpLegolas: OH! It's so wonderful to have you back! Thanks for reviewing! :D ehm, yeeah, the elves in Mirkwood do seem to be rather ding-bat lately, it's true. I'm not sure Fenan entirely understands the whole deal with Aragorn, though. I mean- YOU guys all know it start-to-finish. Black and white. Aragorn ate Bengwiil and DIED. Well, Fenan doesn't necessarily know that. They didn't even have a CLUE why their prince was upset the night Aragorn died, so they clearly weren't up-to-date on his health stats. Anyways, hope that answers your question! :D

Okay, people, onto the chapter. Hang in there, more Legolas coming up! ;)

*****

Chapter 3

Meduí Nä mariè

final farewell

The tears I cry, have turned to rain

I feel alone, I feel the pain

The light has gone, many tears I weep

I cannot be strong, the pain is too deep

Darkened clouds, fill the skies,

Leave me be, let me cry

I want to run, far from these fears,

They will never stop

...the silver tears.

~"Silver Tears" , Jenny~

"Try one more time." Daurré suggested quietly.

Shaking with rising frustration, Edren knocked on the wooden door one last time. Still no sound came from within. In desperation, the elf leaned close to the door, and said softly but clearly, "Your majesty, it is Edren. Daurré and I must speak with you, please."

Silence lasted awhile longer. Then, "What do you want?"

"There are some elves missing from your Halls, my lord. We wish to go into Mirkwood to find them."

Nothing.

"They have gone after Bengwiil." Something within the room was suddenly knocked over, and there was an earsplitting crash. "Your majesty?!"

"Should we go in?" Daurré asked, his eyes wide with worry.

Edren nodded, and began to push on the door. "It's locked!" He shook the door handle, and called once again, "Your majesty?"

Finally a voice came. And though it was Thranduil, it did not sound right. "When they come back? They shall put the Bengwiil in the cellar. And they shall bring some to me."

"But- your majesty, we are afraid they shall *not* come back! We need to find them, and make sure that they are well. Otherwise they will not live-"

"Don't say that! Don't speak it!" Thranduil ranted from just behind the door. "Of course, they shall bring me Bengwiil, of course." To both elves surprise, their king let loose with a high, airy giggle. "We are bringing Meltha back, my friends! Meltha is to return to us!"

"Meltha?" Edren responded, his voice full of quiet fear. "Meltha, you're majesty?"

"Back, m-meltha's coming back!" Thranduil began to chuckle again. Then silence fell.

"Your majesty?" It was Daurré this time who spoke worriedly into the door's thick wood.

"He shall be no use." Edren whispered. Daurré turned to look at him, and saw that Edren's face had grown quite pale.

"Edren, what is it?"

"Meltha," was all the other said in response. Edren shook his head, closing his eyes with a sigh. Daurré realized he was trembling. "It is worse than I had imagined."

"Please, mellon nin, will you not tell me what is wrong?"

Edren shook his head. "I cannot now, Daurré . I'm sorry. But I can tell you this, Thranduil shall be absolutely no help to us."

"But- we cannot go without consent of the king! Especially if he is in this frame of mind! I have no wish to get on his wrong side at this point, Edren."

"Nor I." Edren responded quietly.

"Then what shall we do?" Daurré leaned against the door in frustration, and looked up at his superior friend for help.

Edren sighed. "I have an idea. I do not know how successful we can make it, but if it works…if it works, we could solve two problems at once."

Daurré shook his head. "What is it?"

**********

Daurré followed his friend in silence as they walked down the long stone hall. He'd been silent ever since they'd gotten close enough to Legolas' door to his mournful elvish. He closed his eyes against the sorrow as the two got closer and closer to Legolas' room.

"Edren, where-" but the other shook his head for silence, and Daurré unwillingly complied.

The song suddenly ceased as they stopped in front of their prince's door. Without another word, Edren knocked on the thick wood.

"Come in, Edren," Legolas' quiet voice murmured, and the two stepped in.

The tray that had had Legolas' food on it was in front of the door and empty. Edren stepped past it, and approached the prince himself. Legolas was beside Aragorn as usual, but this time, he was in the process of unwrapping the bandage around the human's arm.

"It isn't bleeding anymore." Legolas answered the unasked question quietly, and proceeded to pull the thick, red-tinged cloth away from Aragorn's cold forearm. He held the fabric close to him, as though it were a precious memento, and then put it aside, and went for the bandage around the ranger's knee.

"Legolas?" Edren began timidly, walking towards the prince, and sensing Daurrè closing the door behind them. "I must speak with you."

"Then speak," Legolas said indifferently. "And please, sit down."

Edren sank uneasily into an armchair just behind his friend. "You see- well, we- Daurrè was…" The elf shook his head angrily. "Legolas, listen. There are several elves who have recently passed to Mandos without our knowing. The other hunters that journeyed with Raustal. They are all but a few dead."

Legolas didn't respond, but Edren could tell by the way he slowed the unraveling of Aragorn's bandage that he was listening.

"They have journeyed into Mirkwood for one reason: They are out to find Bengwiil, and bring it *all* back."

Legolas pulled the blood-spattered cloth away from his friend's half-healed knee, and set it aside. "Do you come to speak of Bengwiil again, Edren? To bring to surface the thing I most loathe to hear about?"

"No, Legolas. I come for your consent. I come for permission to go into Mirkwood and bring these elves *back* before they either kill themselves, or return with more damage than we ever asked for."

Legolas turned around slowly, looking blearily at Edren. "Ask my father's consent."

"We tried. He has very nearly lost his mind, and would not even let us in. He is *for* the Bengwiil being brought back!"

Legolas sighed. "That does not surprise me. And it is not proof of insanity."

Daurré rose from the floor, where he had been sitting, and faced Legolas eagerly. "But he said something over and over, didn't he Edren? Something that he was very glad about." Edren shook his head quickly, but Daurré didn't catch the warning in time. "He said 'meltha is coming back!'." The elf finished and waited excitedly for Legolas' response. Edren waited as well, but in silent concern.

At first, Legolas did nothing. Then, he sat down hard on the bed, beside Aragorn. "Oh Valar," he whispered, closing his eyes tight. "He is indeed senseless then."

"I am sorry, Legolas." Edren whispered, rising to his feet, and sitting beside his friend. "I did not want to bring it up."

The prince shook his head. "I care not. It is a feeling that has long-since died away from me." Legolas turned to look at Aragorn's still form. "At least it was never as painful as this. I had not known- I was very young," he finished, looking down at the floor silently.

Daurré stood awkwardly before the two, looking from Edren to Legolas with wide eyes. "What- did I say something wrong?"

"No, Daurré ," Legolas told him kindly. "It was not you. It is my father who has said something- something very, very wrong."

"Meltha?" Daurré sat back down on the floor in confusion. "But what is so wrong with that, your highness?"

"Nothing I care to explain at present." Legolas half-whispered, looking away from the elf swiftly. Uncomfortable silence filled the air to the brim, until Legolas finally spoke again. "Well, that is that. I can do nothing for him now. Perhaps we could ask Lord Elrond to come and see to him."

"Yes, perhaps. Though we will need his consent for that as well. Or," Edren continued, moving closer to Legolas so he could look him in the eye. "The next best thing."

Legolas sighed. "Then if it means much, you have my permission to send for Lord Elrond. Though I am still unsure as to whether it will do anything for you or not. My father is still the king, Edren, despite his clear insanity."

Edren nodded. "I understand that, Legolas. And- about the hunters in Mirkwood?"

Legolas closed his eyes slowly, and shook his head. "I cannot permit something I know so little about. And I will not risk your lives for this, Edren."

"I should not worry about us, Legolas. It is the ones who are already in the woods that we should be concerned over. There are many creatures in Mirkwood at this time that shall be driven out by the rain, when it chooses to fall. And now there is talk of orcs and wargs in among the trees."

Legolas sighed deeply. "It is not from these I fear your demise, my friend. It is the Bengwiil itself. Once you see it, smell it, feel it, will you not be tempted by its fabled healing powers? I have already lost one friend to Bengwiil, Edren."

"You do not trust us to keep an open mind?" Edren began, and then shook his quickly. "No, I am sorry, Legolas, you're right."

"I trust you, Edren, and Daurré as well. But you will surely not go alone, and we need not have more elves infected by the Bengwiil's lies. You have no idea what it can do."

"But-" Edren tried again. "But, perhaps if *you* came with us. You would hold us back, and as a prince, they would listen to you."

Legolas shut his eyes and furrowed his eyebrows as though in pain. "I will not- I *cannot* leave Aragorn, Edren. I shall never leave him."

None spoke. They were afraid that they would say what they were *truly* thinking now. At length, Edren stood up, and faced Legolas. "Legolas, stop. You mustn't *do* this to yourself! For hours and hours you sit in this dark room, reliving the last moments of his life."

"It hurts-" Legolas choked desperately, turning to look down at Aragorn's still body.

"I know it hurts." Edren said, somewhat gentler. "Ne, lasto beth nin. Please listen." Legolas only nodded slightly, and made no sound. "There are other things besides this. There are- there are other people. People who are *alive*, and need their prince. For they have no king right now. There is no use giving up life for the dead. But using your life for a life, there is honor and reward in this! You will never be at peace again until you sacrifice tragedy for hope." Edren sank to his knees before the elf in front of him, and looked at him in desperation. "Please, Legolas. Will you not help?"

Legolas didn't respond, and all Edren could see of him was the side of his head. He appeared to make no sign emotion at first. As Legolas turned his head towards Edren at last, his friend could see fear and pain shining in the prince's eyes.

Legolas stared at his life-long-friend for a long moment. His heart felt torn in two. Every word Edren had spoken he knew to be completely correct. But he couldn't, he simply couldn't leave Aragorn! But as he turned and looked at the still human again, he could almost hear the ranger's words in his ears.

"Promise me this. Do not despair for me. I don't want you to die of a broken heart. You deserve better. Do not despair. Please."

Legolas' breath quickened, and he shut his eyes tight. Reaching out for Aragorn's hand, he could feel the words flowing through him, and knew the truth in them.

"But don't forget me, Legolas. Don't forget me. I am leaving, but estel remains. Hold onto hope, and do not forget me. Don't forget me."

Over and over he heard the words in his head, and held Aragorn's hand even tighter.

"Don't forget me. Don't forget me. Don't forget me…"

Finally, his eyes opened again, and he could see his friend lying still in front of him. And the memory of his friend's last words were so vivid, that he half-expected his friend to begin repeating them. But no. Aragorn was as still as he had been every time Legolas looked down at him desperately. The truth, Legolas finally realized, could no longer be avoided. Aragorn wasn't coming back. And the longer Legolas despaired over it, the harder it would be to finally face reality…and let go.

And Aragorn had asked him not to despair. If nothing else, that should have driven Legolas out of his tears days ago.

Legolas finally turned his face towards Edren again. He could feel silver tears sliding down his cheeks, and the lump in his throat constricted most speech. But the prince did his best to swallow it, and nodded. "I will help you."

Edren smiled slowly, and laid a hand on the elf's shoulder. "Hannon le, mellon nin. More than I can say." The elf stood from his kneeling position, and seemed eager to take Legolas from this dark room.

"But-" Legolas stopped him mid-way. "I would like a few moments with Estel. T-to say goodbye?" Legolas seemed ashamed of his weakness. The very fact that he wished to say last words to a dead man- a dead man whom he had been speaking to for several days -shone through as bright as the sun in the prince's cheeks.

But the look of desperation, and yet-remaining heartache was so apparent in the young elf's eyes, that Edren could only smile, and then nod to Daurré for them to leave. Legolas smiled sadly, but appreciatively as the two went swiftly from the room, and he was left alone with Aragorn.

*****

Maybe

I need to see the daylight

Leave behind the half-life

Don't you see I'm breaking down?

Oh, lately

Something here don't feel right

This is just a half-life

Is there really no escape?

No escape from time

Of any kind?

~"Half-Life", Duncan Sheik~

*****

Slowly, he slid off the bed, and knelt beside it instead. Reaching out for Aragorn's hands again, he pressed them tenderly to his forehead. "I'm sorry, Aragorn." He whispered, through rising tears. "I should not have despaired. But I am going to try again, and live a good life. Find a new light, and ever be searching for hope. But- it means leaving you, and I said I never would." Legolas stood up slowly, letting go of Aragorn's hands, and running his fingers through the ranger's messy hair instead. "And so, I never shall. I will take you, your memory, ever with me. And may Ilúvatar bring dreams of you into my nights again and again. I- I shall never leave you, Aragorn. For you have left too great an impression on my life to forsake it."

Legolas nodded, half-satisfied, and turned to walk away. But he couldn't leave. His feet slowed as he reached the doorway, and he turned one last time. "But you cannot ask me to ever find a friend as-" He fought awhile in his mind, searching for a word that could possibly describe Aragorn's undying friendship. But finding none, he concluded, "A friend as you. You, Aragorn, are unlike any other that shall ever be. And you could never be replaced, nay, even matched." Legolas nodded slowly, and took one last, long look at his friend. "You are right, mellon nin. Hope remains. But I shall never find Estel again."

And as the words fell from his lips, he turned unwillingly to the door, and walked out, feeling Estel's everlasting hope leave with him, as well as the remaining echoes of his last words to his friend of friends.

In the room, the last sound was the door sliding shut, and soft footsteps walking away from the dark room. Aragorn lay peacefully on the bed, and despite the darkness, the hope fostered by his own heart all his life shone bright against the dark walls, or so it seemed. On his face was a look of peace, marred only by a strand of dark hair lying across his eyelid, and down to his cheek. But a breath of wind swept it away, leaving the human's face virtually flawless.

A breath a wind? But it was impossible. For the window was closed, and there was no breeze in that room.