Hey guys! Well…er…sorry this is really quite late, but I had a long drive to and then back from GA today, and I didn't have time to post before I left. Anyway, hope you don't mind. A chapter is a chapter is a chapter and all that. I think, at least, it sounds good. ;)

Okay, well, I'm afraid I can't respond to as many of you as I should like- *pout* -but I'll try to get some of those with questions in.

JUST A NOTE: When I say "questions" I'm not counting the classic "is Aragorn alive?". Call me mean awful and rotten (if you really must ;) but you knew I wasn't going to answer that anyway. *grin*

Amanalda: OOOOH! *hugs for Amanalda* It's SO great to see you again!! I'm so glad you found your way here, sorry I couldn't get word to you. :( But I'm so glad you're here!! I'm glad you could picture Legolas' scream- or rather hear it. I was very careful with writing that part. I figured if Legolas really lost his friend of friends he would react- very heartbreakingly, and it wasn't exactly easy to put across what to hear and see as heartbreaking in words. ME? Angst? In the same sentence? Why, what on EARTH gave you THAT idea? I hate drama, makes me cry and loses me sleep. Honest! ;) LOL! You're not the only one with a million questions, believe me. *grin* Oh! I'm so glad you liked the Edren-caught-by-Thernad part. I wanted a bit of comedy in there, for as much as I love angst- (I didn't say that, nope! ;) -I wanted to have a bit of light-hearted material so it wouldn't seem AS monotonous. Same with the key! I'm so glad you liked that- wasn't sure if anyone had really noticed it amongst the tears. ;) I liked putting that in, I must say. *grin* don't quite know why…And yes, Edren is…different, isn't he? *bites lip to hide Cassia-like grin* heh…yeah, that's about all for now!! ;) Thanks so much for all your encouraging reviews, Amanalda! When you catch up you REALLY do! :D I loved each one, and laughed a LOT. ;)

LegolasLover2003: *pleasant smile* tell you what you were close on? *grin* now. What would be the fun of that? I mean, I ask you! :P

Elfling: Hm, interesting about the asteroid. *shrug* first news I've heard of it. But, I suppose there are 10 good years for us to catch up on everything so, I'm not worried. :P LOL! Not a Hillary Duff fan, eh? Oh but- "Why Not?" :P Can't beLIEVE I just said that. ;) Sorry you're sick, but so glad you could read-and-review!!!

Laswen: FAQ #I forget: HAS LEGOLAS LOST HIS MARBLES? Erm…well…it would sure seem that way, wouldn't it? But I can tell you this- what is happening IS HAPPENING. He's not like- lost in a dream or seeing everything WAY WRONG. He's not so deranged- if at all -that he can't see the real world, if that's what you were wondering. :D

Hiro-Tyre: Great theories, really! *grins and doesn't answer as to how close they were* Why do I like to be so irritating? Umn…so I can get clever analogies such as the "string-and-fish" one (great one, by the way, very vivid mental picture) from you, of course! And as for the pain and aNgSt…well…there you are 100% correct, I love both. What was the question I didn't answer? I've forgot…*hides behind Grimi so Hiro-Tyre can't hurt her* hehh…

Lotr-obsessed53: LOL! Give your mother my condolences, and tell the nice "white-coat" guys 'hey' for me. Haven't seen them in awhile. :P HEY! Get that chainsaw away from Edren. He's a plot-piece, I'll have you know! *grin* LOL! How can Aragorn be alive? Wow, that IS a good question. *twiddles thumbs and does not ANSWER "good question"* :)

Maranwe: When will I explain about Aragorn? Well, it isn't this chapter…per-se. Kinda kinda not. Don't worry, though, you WILL find out- and soon. :)

Ithildin: *pushes Elladan and Elrohir off her* Now, now, guys. If you attack me, I'll have to incorporate YOU into my plot, ya know…Legolas: You don't want her to do it, trust me. *Elladan and Elrohir back off* *grin* Well, Ithildin, I hope you enjoy the chapter, but feel free to the badguys if you REALLY wanna. I mean- ANYONE could benefit from Bengwiil, you never know. :P

Eva: WOW! That's an awesome poem, thanks for posting it! I love poetry. *sigh* You know? That would probably sound gorgeous in elvish…hm. ;)

Erestor: Sorry, 'fraid I can't answer the random question. ;) But you WILL find the answer, eventually, I promise you. Repetitive? Oooh goodness, I know EXACTLY what you mean. Even WRITING it, I could feel repetition threaded through every chapter. Legolas rises beyond hurt, and falls again. He gives up on despair, and then brakes down in tears. I almost re-wrote a whole bunch of it. But still, I think repetition, if nothing else, can get across the idea of hurt that is not only hurt, but also- something that ruins the flow of normal life. I think a loss of normalcy is almost as hurtful as loss itself, and so the repetition of pain threaded through normal life was just one way to put Legolas' struggle across. Anyway, that was probably the MOST repetitious sentence, but ah well. I think you got the gist, and I'm glad you weren't annoyed by the repetition, seeing that *I* was. ;) You're right- things are about to pick up pace.

Lina: EOMER!! *Eomer runs up* Eomer: WHAT?! Me: YOUR Lina… Eomer: MY Lina? She's not MINE! I didn't ask to be her dadgum bodyguard! Me: Well, she's taken off with my plot device. Eomer: AND my horse. Me: Well…I guess you'll just have to wait here till she gets back. Eomer: Guess so…will she be around for Chapter 8's review? Me: Likely. Eomer: Okay, then. I'll wait. Me: *taps foot*…want some? Eomer: Some what? Me: I'm going for a grilled cheese seasoned with Bengwiil sandwiched between pieces of Lambas bread. Care to try? Eomer: Not at all. Me: Me neither…hey Grimi? ;) Sure hope your Youth Group thing went well, Lina! I prayed for you. Hope it made a difference! :D

Triklu-suma: Don't worry, you're not the only one confused! All questions WILL be answer though, I assure you. *grin*

Okay, everyone, onto the chapter! And in case you are a Cassia and Siobhan reader- I had this chapter title BEFORE they started posting their most recent MC fic. *grin*

Onto the fic!

*****

Chapter 8

The Traitor

Edren felt his throat close up, and for a few moments, he couldn't respond. "Legolas…" he said at last. But he could not continue.

Legolas seemed just as confused by his revelation, but a look of determination to understand was stamped permanently on his face, and he seemed to cling to the knowledge that was in truth uncertain. He didn't respond to Edren's attempted comment for a long time, but finally, he spoke. "I should have known. Should have fought. But there is no time for regret. Edren, fetch Tirniel and Harain. Daurrè may wish to help as well, and I would be grateful if you'd ask him. Please, we've little time…he told me."

"Legolas- I can't understand what you're talking about. I can't help you unless you make sense!"

"You want to help me?"

"I do."

"Then please, do as I ask." Legolas' eyes were pleading, though his mind was racing. Edren searched his face for a long moment. Somehow…yes. It was the only answer he could feel. Yes.

"I will do as you ask." He said at length, and rose to his feet. Legolas rose as well, and turned to leave. "Where are going?" Edren demanded, confusion evident in his voice once more.

Legolas only smiled. "I shall be right back." Estel continued to shine in his silver eyes, and Edren couldn't help but let him go. Slowly, he turned, and ran to find the Healers and Daurrè.

**********

Legolas made it easily to his destination. His feet knew this rout almost as well as they knew the one to Aragorn's bedroom. He stepped quietly onto his favorite balcony, and searched around, wondering if he'd feel, hear, or see anything.

He saw nothing. He heard nothing. And yet- he felt someone touch his shoulder. When he looked, there was nothing there, but the warm feeling remained. And though he heard no voice, the wind that blew against his face carried a small thought with it. He closed his eyes, and inhaled the cool breeze, and the thought seemed to sail straight to his mind.

This is your second chance.

And he nodded. Turning, he walked back inside, and the warm feeling left his shoulder.

*********

Legolas seemed to have sat there for hours. He dearly hoped that Edren was really getting Daurrè and the Healers as he said he would, but he was beginning to wonder. Edren had sure looked uncertain when he'd agreed to go…perhaps he'd changed his mind according to his better judgment? But he would have come back and told Legolas…right?

Questions battled themselves in the elf's worrying head, but just as he had so many times before, he now refused to leave Aragorn's side. If there was any chance he was alive, he had to take it.

Legolas couldn't bring himself to lift the cover off his friend's face. He wondered what would happen if he saw that pale face again. Would his tears return? Would he pass out? Things had gotten so crazy lately, he didn't know what to think anymore. But he still didn't risk pulling the blanket away.

Finally, to his indescribable relief, Edren came quickly into the dark room, Daurrè, Tirniel, and an assistant Healer at his heals.

Legolas looked up expectantly, and almost smiled. Edren, however, looked uncertain and almost apprehensive. "I have brought them as you asked," he said at length, still searching Legolas' expression. For sanity, Legolas thought to his disappointment.

But the prince approached his friend, and finally asked what he'd been planning to for the last moments of waiting. "Edren…would you lift Aragorn's cover away?" He'd practiced that request in his head so many times, but had been unable to keep the quiver from his throat. He was frightened and he couldn't hide it. But he didn't have to.

Edren saw at a glance, and had really known from the start that Legolas was not looking forward to seeing his friend's pale face again. He wasn't looking forward to seeing what would happen to the prince if he saw Aragorn again either, so he remained where he was, trying to figure out what to do.

"Edren, please," Legolas begged, seeing the hesitation. "I am afraid to lift the blanket myself…but this feeling, this nagging feeling that Aragorn may yet be alive; it outweighs whatever fear I carry. I will lift that cover myself, if you will not do it for me. I am that determined. But…" And again, the unwanted fearful quiver slipped into his words. "I think it would be easier for me if you would do it, mellon nin."

Edren didn't seem to react to the words at first, but at long last, he reluctantly walked towards the bed. With a final glance at Legolas, he reached down with a shaking hand, and gently pulled the blanket away.

Legolas stood panting, and had to bite back a cry when he saw the pale face again. But he wouldn't close his eyes, and suddenly, all the feelings he'd left behind when he last departed from the dark room, came flooding back.

"Aragorn!" he cried, and rushed forward to the bed, throwing himself down on the floor. Kneeling beside the bed, he reached for the human's sweaty forehead with one hand, and gently grabbed his friend's hand with the other. He sat in silence awhile, simply feeling his friend…sweat? Yes, Aragorn's head was quite clammy…but how…?

"Edren…" His voice came softly as he scarcely dared to believe what he was feeling. "Edren, he is sweating. He is sweating!"

Edren bit his lip. "Yes…" he agreed. "But that does not necessarily mean…" He didn't have the heart to go on. How was he going to pull the prince out of this one? He was thoroughly convinced that Aragorn still lived!

Legolas' hand moved about Aragorn's forehead, wiping away the perspiration like it was the most precious thing he'd seen. As his hand roved about, it fell across the human's closed eyelids. A cry of surprise jerked free of his throat, and he rose to his feet.

"What?!" Edren demanded, as the two uncertain Healers came forward, as well as Daurrè.

Legolas stood still a long moment, then leaned over his friend once more, feeling his closed eyelids. He gasped, and then smiled, still breathing hard in surprise and relief. His proof. He *wasn't* crazy. "Edren. Feel." Was all he said, and he stood back for his friend.

Edren reached out a hesitant hand, and lay his thumb and forefinger gently over Aragorn's eyelids. His eyes went wide, and he looked at Legolas. The prince nodded. "You feel it." Edren nodded, and probed a little closer with his finger. Yes. Aragorn's eyes were moving rapidly back and forth underneath their lids.

Legolas almost laughed. "He is dreaming." he breathed. "Somewhere in there…he is alive."

At this point, Tirniel came forward, and hurriedly, Edren pulled his hand back so the Healer could feel. Tirniel closed his eyes, and concentrated on the rapid movements under the human's eyelids. "He was right…" he breathed.

"Who?" Legolas questioned, perplexed at the strange reaction.

The Healer's eyes opened once more, but he ignored Legolas' question. "What are you planning to do?"

"Well…" Legolas was taken aback. "That is why I asked Edren to get you. I thought perhaps you would know what to do."

"I don't." Tirniel's voice was surprisingly impatient, and his face was a mixture of frustration and fear. As if he blamed someone else for his being unprepared.

Legolas' mind worked furiously. Now what? If not even the Healers could handle it, who could? Surely he could not. Surely…

He looked to Edren for help, pleading for advice. But his friend was blinded by the unexplainable. By Aragorn still being alive. He was lost as to what could be done. He didn't even understand what was happening.

Legolas tried to find a clue in the other Healer, in Daurrè. Finally his eyes fell on Aragorn once more. He found himself dieing to see the eyes open, and hold the hint he was looking for. What can I do? he wanted to ask. But he knew he would find no answer.

It was then that Legolas realized. He and Aragorn were the only ones with the understanding needed to save the Ranger's life.

Aragorn wasn't here. That left him. That left Legolas. And he suddenly felt frightened. He was the one who had to make the decision now. For so long, he'd counted on Aragorn being there to tell him what to do. To show him where to turn. What would he do without him?

But Legolas knew, through the cold voices of confusion, he knew one thing; if Aragorn were here, he would be telling him to think. To keep a clear head. To not lose hope. Yes. Once more, it was all his mind would tell him. Yes.

So Legolas made himself think. Without noticing Aragorn's pale face, Edren's bewildered glances, nor any of the others in the room, he began to blindly stumble through his thoughts. What could he do?

Then, sluggishly, a thought trickled into his mind. An idea. A last resort. A desperate voice that cried: "Bengwiil! We need more Bengwiil! It is the only way, I am sure of it!"

"Bengwiil." The word fell dead from the prince's lips, he seemed to speak in a dream. But when he focused on Edren, and saw the look of utter disbelief on his face, he knew that he'd said it aloud. "Bengwiil," he repeated. "It is the only way…I am sure of it."

His eyebrows riveted in confusion, but his eyes were blazing with certainty. At long last, Edren shuddered, and began to speak quietly. "Legolas…you mean to tell me you wish to use Bengwiil?"

"It is the only way," Legolas repeated, now the doubt was gone, and his mind was working freely again. His voice began to speed up with excitement. "It is Bengwiil alone that keeps him alive. It gives him artificial strength. I know, because I've felt it. This fake strength is the only thing that's keeping his blood flowing, his heart beating, his pulse throbbing."

Edren's fingers moved to the Ranger's clammy neck, and he waited a few moments before shaking his head. "Legolas, I feel no pulse."

"Aye," Legolas agreed. "It is too faint to feel through the skin, but his eyes would not be moving, he would not be perspiring, if not for the fact that his heart is still beating." Legolas nodded, and set in his decision he rose to his feet, for without knowing it, he'd fallen to his knees again. "The only way to wake him up is to give him enough Bengwiil to excite his system to the point that he can come back."

"I see," Tirniel said too quickly to have even considered the revelation. "And *then* what? Wait for it to wear off so he can die again?"

Legolas thought a moment. "If we could wake him up, keep him alive on Bengwiil, we could then take him to Lord Elrond. He can remove the poison from his system, I know he can. Then…" Legolas sighed, and tripped blindly into the next ludicrous words. "Aragorn will be brought back from the dead."

Edren shook his head, but at last, he stumbled across something to bridge the silence. It was the only thing he could think of that would make Legolas feel better, but at the same time, safely remain something he meant. "What have we to lose?"

Legolas nodded breathlessly. "Yes," was all he said, and then turned to Tirniel. "Where is the Bengwiil?"

"How should I know," Tirniel demanded dully.

"You are a Healer. You, if anyone, should know where my father is keeping the Bengwiil that Raustal, Nyarin and the other hunters brought that night Aragorn was attacked." Legolas' voice rambled through his sudden uncertainty. "Father could not have possibly used all that Bengwiil up so quickly, he must be hiding it!"

"And what makes you think *I* know where he is hiding it?"

"Because- because I just *said* why! You are a Healer-" Legolas couldn't help letting a sigh of frustration shake him at Tirniel's lack of cooperation. With a burst of anger, he whirled around, and faced the window, feeling his Sindarin temper rising in him. He tried to breathe it down, but it was a full three minutes before he turned to face Tirniel again.

"Tirniel, if you really don't know where the Bengwiil is, please just tell me. We must find it someway, and I have to know if you are that way."

Tirniel made as if he were going to answer, and then looked away. He wasn't going to help them.

Legolas only sighed, and tried to keep his temper at bay. He had to think again…what…who could…he looked up at Tirniel, Daurrè, and the other Healer…"Harain." His mind whirled. "Harain," he said with more conviction. "Harain was there with Tirniel the night Aragorn was first given Bengwiil. Wasn't he, Tirniel?"

Tirniel didn't reply.

"Surely he will know…" Legolas thought excitedly, while the confused were still silent. At that moment, his excited mind stumbled across something else. He didn't know where Harain was. But who did? "Tirniel…" he murmured, turning to the Healer again. "It seems no matter what happens, we're going to need your help."

Tirniel shook his head. "D-do not ask me about Harain, Legolas…don't."

"Why? Do you know where he is?"

"N-well…no…I…" Tirniel began to sweat, and looked nervously about the room. "He isn't here," he said at last.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean he is gone from these halls. Forever. There's no point in searching him out."

"Wha-" Legolas shook his head. "What are you talking about, Tirniel? Where has Harain gone?"

"He was exiled!"

"What?!" Legolas' breath caught in his throat. It had been his only chance… "Whatever possessed my father to exile one of his best?"

"I…well, your father loves you, highness."

Legolas' jaw locked. Whenever the Healer resorted to the title 'highness' rather than his real name, he knew he was trying to lie well. It wasn't working. "Why, Tirniel, tell me. I've a right to know as much as even my father."

Tirniel sighed, and shook his head. "Very well, Legolas…though…your father will be greatly angered if he knew."

"Well I shall be the last to tell him of your involvement in the knowledge, all right?"

That didn't seem to make the Healer feel any better, but he continued anyway. "Well, it was that night Estel nearly died…"

*****

"Tur-each daer al milui?!"

//how can you be so heartless?!//

The words echoed around the dark room, and cut Tirniel to the heart. Apparently he was not the only one. Thranduil froze on the other side of the door for but a moment, then stepped outside it once more.

Tirniel flinched. Had…Thranduil just hit his son…? Confusion took hold of him as the king came back into the dark room, looking nothing short of terrified.

"What are you staring at?" he demanded darkly of the four elves who were standing blank in their confusion.

Tirniel jumped to his task, pouring hot water into the Bengwiil leaves Prestomin had meticulously crushed. Garaer moved to the side of Aragorn's bed, ready to assist. Harain didn't move.

The stench of Bengwiil filled the room, as he dipped a cloth into the green water. Turning quietly, he walked towards Aragorn with the cloth, his hands shaking.

"No…no you can't. Don't-don't touch me…" the human tried to inch away, but his body was too week, and he fell back on the bed again. "Don't touch me! Legolas!" he cried, trying to thrash away from the fumes that wafted from the cloth.

A loud pounding wracked the room as Legolas threw himself at the door. Tirniel froze.

"Get on with it!" Thranduil snapped. "Unless you don't trust your king!"

Tirniel nodded and pressed the cloth to Aragorn's nose and mouth.

The human gagged, and swung his head away. "Legolas!" he cried, his voice now choked with panic and tears. "Legolas where are you? Where are you?!" he sobbed through his fear, trying to duck the cloth.

"I am here, Aragorn. I'm right here. Gwiil, mellon nin! Garor!"

//peace, my friend! Hold on!//

Legolas' voice was full to the brim with fear and frustration. A desperation to get to his friend.

"Stop it, your majesty!" Thranduil's head shot up as Harain, who had been standing in the corner in silence came rushing forward to where Aragorn choked on the Bengwill's stench.

"What?" the king answered dangerously.

"I said stop it! Leave him alone! This can't be right, your majesty, it can't."

Aragorn took advantage of Tirniel's surprise at the Healer's bold words, and shoved his hand away. "Legolas- they're- they can't do it! Don't let them touch me, Legolas. Where are you?!" he choked out, trying to avoid Tirniel's hand.

"Listen to him! Listen!" Harain demanded of Tirniel, throwing his hand out towards the door.

"Aragorn!" The sound of Legolas' fists hitting the door shook the room. "Aragorn, hold on! Siach! I am here!"

"Listen to him! He is your *son*. Have you no pity?!" Tirniel paused at Harain's words, as Aragorn panted the free air of the dark room, and looked around desperately for mercy.

The locked door's latch shook. "Father, please! Please father, I beg you, let me in. Let me be with Aragorn!" Legolas' voice cried desperately.

Thranduil paused. He started to shake his head. "No. This is right…it's the only way."

"You are heartless," Harain bit out furiously.

Thranduil's eyes flashed. "Get to your work!" he shouted at Tirniel.

Tirniel nodded quickly, and pressed the cloth over Aragorn's mouth and nose again. Aragorn fought against it, struggling between the bed and the Healer. Garaer quickly pinned the human down by his struggling shoulders. Aragorn began to gasp desperate pleas for help, but Tirniel hushed them with the cloth.

Finally, the body went slack. Aragorn had passed out.

Thranduil began to glare furiously at Harain, trying to think of something to scare the elf into submission. Instead, Harain spoke.

"What have you done. As a helper, a king, and a father!"

"Be silent!" Thranduil shouted angrily, and took a step towards the Healer.

"Harain, hand me a leaf of Bengwiil," Tirniel murmured, hoping to get his friend out of trouble.

"I will do nothing against the wishes of Legolas! He is right. Bengwiil does not heal! Are you a fool?!"

"Harain, please," Tirniel tried again desperately.

"No, my friend. I can't. I won't."

Thranduil shook his head. "Do you wish to anger me?"

"You are a fool, Thranduil, I don't care what you say! You've hurt your own kin! You can't look me in the eye and say you *don't * think you've been a fool!"

"How *dare* you call your king foolish?! How dare you speak to me so! Garaer! Take him!" the elf let go of Aragorn and leapt for Harain. Catching him by the arms, he pinned them behind the Healer's back. Harain made no protest to the restraint.

Thranduil clenched his jaw, and looking down at the Healer, shook his head. "You are herby exiled from the realm of Mirkwood! No Woodelf shall assist you in any manner. Now go from my presence!"

Tirniel's mouth went dry. Had the king gone mad? Exiling one of his best Healers at a whim?

Harain was silent a moment. Then, he almost smiled. "I'm going to let your son in, Thranduil."

Ducking down, and the twisting sideways, Harain managed to move so Garaer was only holding his wrists. He quickly twisted both wrists to the side, and before Garaer could blink, Harain had jerked both wrists out of his grasp.

Running as fast as he could, he made a break for the door. "Garaer! Prestomin! Stop him!" Prestomin dropped the Bengwiil he'd been grinding, and dashed towards the elf. But both of them were too late.

Harain tore the door open. "Your highness?" He gasped. "Your highness!" Legolas was slumped against the stone wall, looking dazed. "Your majesty!" Harain whirled around just as Prestomin and Garaer leapt behind him. "Your son, the prince has fallen!"

Harain looked back down at Legolas, worry evident in his gaze. "Legolas?" But the prince blinked vaguely, and then, slid away from the wall, and fell to the floor.

"Legolas!" Harain sank to his knees beside the prince, and felt for a pulse. It was strong as ever…in fact…stronger. "He has smelled the Bengwiil," he murmured at last. "His system is racing."

"Is he all right?" Thranduil asked quietly, pushing past the two elves in the doorway, and standing behind Harain.

"Yes. No thanks to you, majesty. This is your doing, you know."

Thrandiul ground his teeth, and turned to Prestomin. "Take over for Tirniel with Estel. I will take my son to his room. Tirniel? Garaer?" Thranduil turned to Harain and fixed him with a furious stare. "Take this traitor and escort him out of these Halls. And…don't let him get away." he added, gesturing to the length of elven rope strung to Garaer's belt.

Garaer nodded, half-smiling. "Of course, majesty."

Tirniel hesitated.

"Do you wish to go with him?" Thranduil demanded flatly.

"N-no. No, your majesty." Apologetically, Tirniel knelt beside Harain, and grasped one of his arms. Garaer grasped the other one, and as they hauled Harain to his feet, Garaer tied his hands together behind him.

Harain seemed not to notice as he stared solidly at Thranduil. "I cannot believe how heartless you have been…I can't believe you would go so far, Thranduil. Do you not remember Minaeg?"

And for the second time that evening, Thranduil's hand flew to it's target with unexplainable rage.

Harain let the blood flow down the corner of his lip. He never once took his gaze off the king. "I pray your son forgives you, majesty."

"Take him away!" shouted the king, and Garaer and Tirniel grabbed Harain but his shoulders, and steered him towards the stairs.

As they walked, Garaer started murmuring rebukes to Harain, but the elf didn't notice it. Tirniel couldn't make eye-contact with his friend. He couldn't bare any of it, but didn't risk being exiled himself. When they finally reached the stables, they stopped. Garaer reluctantly untied Harain's hands, and leering some last comment, he walked away. Tirniel stayed.

They were both silent as Harain saddled and bridled his horse.

"Harain…" Tirniel tried to say, but his throat swallowed the name.

"Tirniel. My friend," Harain smiled. "Don't feel sorry for me. I am glad to leave. I can't stand being here under Thranduil anymore."

"He is a coward," Tirniel hissed, wiping the blood from Harain's mouth.

Harain grinned. "I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who feels thus." And he climbed onto his horse. "Do not lose hope, my friend. I'll be around…"

"Where?"

"Thamas no-talef." And with a smile at his friend's reaction, he steered his horse away from the Halls.

*****

"…and you haven't seen him since?"

Tirniel shook his head.

Legolas sighed, and looked as though he were containing himself. Then: "How *could* my father do such a thing?! Harain was right! He was right, my father was wrong! Why does he never *listen*?!" He whirled, his emotions trampling good sense once more. "And now Estel is gone…" He chocked, gripping the windowsill with all his might.

"Legolas…" Edren said quietly, placing a hand on the prince's shoulder. "There must be another way. We'll find the Bengwiil."

"Yes…" Legolas sighed, and shook his head. "I know what I have to do, though." Legolas turned and started to leave the room.

"Where are you going?" Edren asked quickly.

The prince kept going a few more steps, then turned. "To my father again. He has Bengwiil in there somewhere…I know he does."

"Legolas, no. He'll attack you again for sure!"

"I don't care, Edren," Legolas shrugged, glancing over at his friend. "I have to save Aragorn…"

Edren slowly nodded. "Then I will go with you. I can't risk you getting hurt again."

Legolas smiled. "Very well, mellon nin."