Not much from me - actually not in a talkative mood. Had a shitty week if
I ever knew one...*small smile* but don't worry, I am not about to pour my
heart out to you all or anything.
I was going to say something here about my livejournal account, but for the life of me, I can't even think about forming a proper sentence at the moment, so I am just going to leave it at; I am going to use it as an update log and a way to mass answer any questions that people may have. Will also put up chapter/story previews and inform any that look if there is to be any delays in posting. Umm, yeah, the link's on my bio page.
Thank Valar this chapter was written awhile ago as it takes on a slightly more lighthearted feeling - we have Legolas talking to himself and yes, the return of the evil little voice in Legolas' head. But after this things are about to get serious again.
I shan't waste any more of your time...
*****
The Thrill of the Chase
Chapter Five
False Façade
*****
There's something inside me that
Pulls beneath the surface
Consuming, confusing
This lack of self-control
I fear is never-ending
Controlling, I can't seem
To find myself again
My walls are closing in
"Crawling" Linkin Park
*****
Slamming the door to his room shut, Legolas let his head bang back against the painted wood, his eyes closed as a frown creased his forehead.
He was angry; angry at himself for allowing the man to do such a thing and infuriated at Estel himself for actually daring to touch him in such a way.
Or was it that he was irritated due to the fact that he had almost enjoyed it? Or *had* he enjoyed it? Been excited by the forthrightness of the man that had presumed to do such a thing without his consent? Had he liked the way that Estel had pursued him even as he had backed away?
Letting his head thump against the door a few more times for good measure hoping that it might knock some sense into him, Legolas let out a deep breath, trying to rid himself of the metaphorical questions that raced through his head like a wild horse.
Pushing off the heavy door, Legolas rolled his head and stretched his neck, slowly loosening the tight muscles within his shoulders and collarbone as his eyes traveled over to the large, open balcony. The sun was almost setting in the far west, the fragment of light playing against the clouds and making the sky a cross between a rose pink and golden yellow. As always, the passing of the day saw the night drawing nearer, and with that came the time for dinner in the banquet halls.
Groaning at the thought of having to be near the man again, Legolas absentmindedly started to unbuckle his belt. Slipping the worn leather from around his waist and allowing his tunic to hang loose, he let it drop inattentively to the floor, the object all but forgotten as soon as it had left his hands.
His mind, much to his distress, kept wandering back to the garden and the man that he had met under the trees. As he started to untie the leather fastenings of his left gauntlet, he found that he seemed to remember every single moment of the encounter. The man's voice, the sparkle in his eyes, the way in which Estel had looked down at him as Legolas retreated from his approach; that thrill that had ran laps around his body as Estel finally sealed their lips.
He...he hated him! He *had* to hate him!
"Damn it!" he yelled as he forced his mind back to the present while throwing the harden leather arm-guard to the floor. Emitting an infuriated growl, Legolas plopped himself down on the edge of his bed, his head falling immediately into his hands.
For long moments he just sat there, his attempts of getting changed for dinner utterly forgotten as he massaged his temples and willed himself to 'get a grip'.
Fingertips still pressed to the sides of his head, Legolas propped his head up and looked about the room, searching with his eyes as if the answer to all his troubles would be spelt out in the walls.
The room was as he had last left it, granted much tidier as he had departed in quite a rush the last time he was here. The large, soft and inviting bed lay against one wall, the actual piece of furniture on a raised dais of three steps, making it much higher then the rest of the room. The soft silken sheets were of a deep green and silver, the sooner being the fitted and the latter the one that hung in lengths over the edge of the bed. Numerous pillows lay scattered across the head of the bed, their layout both erratic and precise at the same time especially as their range of colours matched perfectly - another touch of Erestor's, no doubt. The rest of the room was dedicated to space and creating a feeling of freedom and harmony. The entire west wall was open, green drapes being the only form of enclosure as they hung from four great, marble arches. Beyond that lay a private balcony, shielded from the view of prying eyes by a tangle of trees, flowing vines and a softly bubbling river below. To his right there were two doors, one that led to the hallway and the other to a small, personal washroom. Ahead of Legolas there was a large, open fire place with a cluster of different chairs, all soft and comfortable, incase he had anyone frequent his rooms. A writing desk and chair were the only other major furnishings in the room apart from the small chest of draws and a number of smaller tables that lined the walls.
It was a lovely room to say the least, one that he felt right at home in which was not an easy thing for him. It had been given to him on his first visit and since he and the twins had formed such a bond, resulting in his frequent visits, it had remained permanently set up and reserved for him alone.
After his perusal of the room, Legolas caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror that stood against the far wall. Locking eyes with his reflection, the prince of Mirkwood glared himself down as if he were an enemy. Legolas looked himself up and down, sized up his weakness and flaws until he finally set his jaw tight and angles his head slightly upwards.
"It was nothing!" he told himself harshly and out loud as if it would have more effect upon him if the words were actually spoken. "Nothing!" Rolling his shoulders once again, he busied himself with unfastening his other gauntlet. "It meant nothing, you felt nothing - why?" he questioned himself, "Because it was nothing!" came the answer.
Standing to his feet but not before sending himself one last deadly, warning look, Legolas walked slowly over to the small door next to the mirror. Tugging on the handle a little harder then need be, he swung the door open and almost pushed himself off balance in the process.
Hissing at the door - or maybe himself - Legolas set his mind to the task of finding something appropriate to wear. Ever since one of his very first visits, he had left at least two formal outfits at the Last Homely House and a number of traveling garments, yet, as time passed and he found that he slipped in more and more frequently, he had started to leave a great deal of spare clothes in his room.
Searching through the folded garments, he pulled out all that would be considered formal wear and looked them over with a selective eye.
There was one of a silvery blue fabric from Lothlórien, light velvet in the traditional colours of the royal family of Mirkwood and a midnight blue and black set.
"Which one would Estel li-" Stopping himself mid-sentence, Legolas covered his mouth with his hand in shock, really wishing that he was able to slap himself. He could not believe that he had thought that, let alone said it out loud. He did not care what the human liked or wanted, not at all! The entire incident in the garden had been nothing; a complete misunderstanding. The only reason that it insisted on resurfacing in his mind was due to the fact that it was so unsettling and disturbing and that he really had hated the entire situation!
Snatching up the slivery tunic and pants - the first on the pile - Legolas hurried himself off to his wash room, talking to himself all the way.
"You are just tense, Legolas!" he chided himself, "the other night did not go quite as planned, but it is over now. You just need some time to relax; unwind. It was nothing, just the aftermath of the events of the other night - pent up steam."
Closing the door to the wash room, Legolas once again glared at himself in the mirror that was in there while wondering why there had to be so many in this place. His reflection seemed to taunt him, the air behind him filled with images of a man that he did not wish to see ever again, let alone lingering above his shoulder.
"Tense," Legolas said in the mirror, forcing his eyes to focus and the vision of Estel to blur and disperse. "Tired. Yes, that is it. Tired. Worn out. It was a trying night." Legolas muttered to himself as he went about poking the embers that lay beneath the raised tub, pushing them further underneath to better heat the cooling water.
As Legolas waited for the water to be of a satisfactory temperature, he roamed around the room, lighting the scattered candles while still trying to fully work the kinks out of his shoulders and neck. It felt as if he had carried the world on his back, though he hardly knew why. Nothing of the other night had been that strenuous. Difficult and unexpected, yes, but nothing too physically exhausting. As the Elf pulled his tunic over his head and loosened his pants, he entertained the notion that perhaps he was simply becoming too old for the things that he did as he sunk deep into the warm water. Laughing at the foolishness of such a thought, Legolas allowed the soothing waters to take effect on his body, loosen his joints and stressed muscles as the few crushed leaves and flower buds that floated in the bath worked their magic on his mind. He was already starting to feel better, more relaxed and of stable mind.
Everything would be fine. He just needed to unwind and relax for a bit and then he would be set to face the world again, his cheery Prince-like conduct fully in place.
It had simply been the results of a rough night...
*****
The dinning hall was crowded, packed full of Elves from various places and on ranging missions and agendas, making it even easier for Legolas to slip into the crowd of those not permanently living in the fair city. That was all he wanted tonight, to be able to shrink into the background and allow others to do the talking and laughing.
While he was partly granted his wish, it did not come without a great sacrifice.
Legolas had found out almost as soon as he stepped into the hall that much to his distaste, he was in Rivendell without a great deal company other then Estel's. Elladan and Elrohir were off on one of their fabled hunting trips, apparently meeting up with a group of Rangers that were frequenting the area at the moment and tracking a large band of Orcs across the Misty Mountains. Their sister, Arwen, was currently in Lothlórien with her grandparents. Under any normal circumstances Legolas would have been happy about that fact, but at the moment, faced with only Estel, Arwen was starting to look like good company. In fact, the only non-disastrous occurrence that the night had to offer was Lord Elrond's request for Legolas' visit to be formal, thus Legolas found himself sitting on the right of the Elven lord with Estel sitting on Elrond's left. To Legolas' own right sat Erestor and in front of the prince sat an Elf from Lothlórien, his dinner partner for the night.
The meal itself passed without any hiccups. Without the twins there, there was no one to willingly dig up old and embarrassing stories and no one that would be willing to get up to any mischief whatsoever. Legolas only had to speak to Estel once, asking him if he could pass the salt and even that went without tribulations. It was not until the dishes were being cleared and full conversation struck up that there was any mishaps at all, and even though were trivial and did not concern Legolas in the slightest.
"Legolas?" The sound of his name brought his eyes flying from the patterns in the wooden table and up to meet the Elf's eyes. He had been sitting across from the prince and, much to Legolas' dismay, had been trying to make light conversation all night. The only problem was that Legolas was neither one for idle chitchat when in such a mood and had no mind for the small smiles that the other had been sending his way throughout the duration of the meal. In fact, Legolas could not even remember the others name...
"Oh," Legolas offered a small, apologetic smile as he wiped at the corner of his eyes, trying to keep them showing his disinterest, "I am so sorry. What did you say?"
"I asked you how Mirkwood was faring, your highness," the other prompted with a grin of his own.
Inwardly groaning, Legolas tried to think of something worthwhile to tell him while pushing aside his dislike of the formal term the other had used. It did naught but remind him of the life and customs which he tried so desperately to escape and yet others seemed to think that for some strange, twisted reason, he liked them to use it as some form of flattery.
"Life goes on," Legolas started, not entirely sure where he was heading with the explanation. "The Elves of Mirkwood are thriving, as is the forest closer to home, but still the darkness approaches despite the great lengths that we go to in order to keep it at bay."
"It must be terrible for you," the other stated dramatically, placing within Legolas the want to roll his eyes.
"Oh yes, horrible," he replied flatly as his head sunk inevitably into his left hand.
"It must be refreshing to get out into the open again, I take it," the other continued, his eyes not leaving Legolas' although the prince had taken to looking around the room. After the happenings in the garden that afternoon, formality was the last thing on his mind. He did not care who saw, or who thought that it was inappropriate for him to do such, just as long as he did not have to sit there and listen to this pointless talk for too much longer.
"Indeed." Again the words were flat and meaningless; simply a last attempt at remaining civil.
"So," Legolas' dinner partner started up once again, obviously not getting the point, "do you have anyone waiting for yo-"
"Perhaps you should get some rest, Legolas," Erestor interjected. He had just turned to see the Elven prince slumped against his hand looking extremely bored and tired while getting his pointed ear talked off by one of the less tactful Elves visiting from Lothlórien.
Sending a silent thank you to the Valar for Erestor's sharp eye, Legolas turned away from his dinner partner and looked to the older Elf with a small, thankful grin.
"It must have been a long journey and a trying night. No doubt you feel as if you could sleep for a week." The advisor said synthetically.
Legolas could not agree with that statement more and so, it was with a light heart that he nodded his head in acceptance of the other Elf's worry. He had never really been one to accept being treated as if he would break, but at the moment is seemed best to just come to terms with the fact that they all seemed to think that he was some delicate doll that might break while seizing the opportunity to get a good night's sleep.
"I am ashamed to admit that you are correct." Legolas said with a small smile, "and so I shall take your advice and retire early, with my dinner partner's and Lord's permission of course." After receiving an understanding nod from Elrond, who was at the time engrossed in an animate conversation with Glorfindel and a bow from the other Elf along with a promise to talk again soon, Legolas gracefully stood, bowed to his host and thanked Erestor for his concern before slowly and regally heading to the door.
A relieved sigh passed the Prince of Mirkwood's lips as he stepped into the cool night air. It always felt good to get away from the bustling within the great dinning halls and even better if he was able to steal away early, long before he was convinced by some fool that had taken a liking to him to accompany him into the Hall of Fire in order to join in the festivities.
Although it had been a jewel of discovery that he had made in the hall that night. Instead of acting his usual self while pushing his mixed annoyance and fatigue to the side, he found that if the went against almost everything that he was meant to do, in a polite fashion of course, Erestor would begin to worry and thus practically push him out the door, claiming that the prince had been attack on his way here and was in great need of rest. It was only a slight stretch of the truth, after all, he had been attacked, just not in the way that he lead them to believe. Even that little voice that felt the need to speak up whenever he did something immoral had nothing to say about it, which Legolas took as a good sign.
At the moment there was nothing that he wanted more then to get into something a little more comfortable and crawl into bed. His shoulders had resumed their throbbing after the soothing effects of his hot bath wore off and he was utterly unsure as to whether or not he could keep his back straight and shoulders back for much longer. The fact that he had no clue as to what made them hurt so was also an interesting one for, in all truthfulness, he had done naught that should have aggravated them except for the possibility of pulling the guard onto the roof rafters. Perhaps it was simply his body's way of informing him that it was time to take a small break.
Intent on going straight to his room, Legolas found his night's peace and dreams of comfort shattered with one yelled word.
"Legolas," Estel called as the Elf made his way from the hall.
At the sound of his name and the recollection of the voice, Legolas let out a small growl of annoyance before gradually slowing his pace, his shoulders dropping despite himself. It would not be preferable to completely shun the young man and, if Estel was here for what he hoped then it would be the perfect opportunity to put that afternoons actions far behind them. By the time Estel had caught up to the Elf, Legolas had set his face into his usual passive and emotionless façade, ready to face the human and hopefully get rid of the boy once and for all.
Falling into step with the Elf, Estel looked the archer over, his features almost betraying him as he was once again stunned by the beauty before him. "May I have a word?"
"I believe you have already had a few," Legolas pointed out with a barely disguised snarl. Maybe the human was not as dense as most and he would obtain the hint behind Legolas' actions and just leave him alone...?
"About this afternoon - in the garden," Estel started, his voice wavering slightly as he blundered in the choosing of his words.
Taking pity upon the man, Legolas stopped his walking and turned to face Estel, a smile upon his face and his eyes kind. "It is all right. It was a misunderstanding, that is all," Legolas offered him, feeling for sure that that was what Estel had been about to say.
"Nay!" the human half shrieked, his eyes opening wide and his mouth dropping open.
"Nay?" Legolas queried with a small quirk of his eyebrow.
"Nay," the human breathed out while looking down at the Elf, a small smile playing across his lips. "It was not nothing. I...I." The words seemed to refuse to come to him and, under Legolas' steady gaze, Estel felt his courage drain away like a receding tide.
Deciding to allow his actions to speak for him, Estel reached out quickly and wrapped both arms tightly around the Elf's waist, pulling him right up against his chest and forcing Legolas to tilt his head upright.
"Estel!" Legolas protested, his hands flying to his lower back where he made to pull the man's off him.
"Please," Estel pleaded, "give me a moment to explain. Please."
Utterly torn, Legolas merely narrowed his eyes at the human as he looked him up and down. The last thing that he needed was an enemy in Rivendell, especially one with such a social standing as the human but at the same time he was completely sick of being treated in such a matter. Finally deciding on a compromise, Legolas went about tugging at the man's hands anew.
"You may have your moment," he started, the words barely formed as he forced them out through grinding, clenched teeth, "though it shall not be in thus manner. Now unhand me!"
"But..."
"Now!" The element of command in the Elf's voice was not lost to the human, and, fearing that he should anger the prince even more, Estel hesitantly let go of the other's waist.
"Just do not go running off on me," Estel counted with a command of his own as Legolas fully pulled himself from the man's grip.
As the man told him what he could and could not do, Legolas' eyes flared before returning to their near constantly narrowed state. It seemed that all he been doing was frowning since he arrived and, glaring at the human once again, Legolas knew that it was all because of Estel. Oh how he wished that they were both somewhere else where it would not matter if he taught him a thing or two on manners.
"Then be out with it so I can continue on my way," Legolas said with a dismissive yet commanding wave of his right hand - something that he had learnt to do years ago at his father's court. It seemed to cause others a great deal of discomfort for reasons that Legolas could only guess at. Arms crossing over his chest, his weight shifting to his left foot and his head held slightly to the right, Legolas settled for watching the human, all the while wondering what fabrication Estel would contrive.
"Today, in the garden," Estel started, only to see the small but visible sigh and slight roll of the eyes that acted as the Elf's response. Trying his best to ignore the reaction of Legolas, Estel expelled his own sigh before plowing head on into his explanation. "I do not think that it was a mistake nor do I think that you truly do. I saw something in your eyes..."
"That would have been shock and despondency," Legolas interrupted before allowing the human to even think he could tell Legolas what he felt. That was not the way that things happened!
"Call it what you will," Estel continued, ignoring the statement from the Elf just as he dismissed the persistently harsh glare that Legolas sent his way. "But I am not afraid to admit that I felt something!"
"I am not afraid!" Legolas protested in shock, his weight shifting to his right leg as his face moved closer to Estel's to better prove his point, "'tis just that I shall not admit to something that I did not feel in the first place!"
"You felt something!" Estel
"Fine, I did," Legolas admitted quickly and before the human had the chance to open his mouth, "the want and need to gag!"
At this Estel just grunted, his fingers curling as his jaw tightened. They were getting nowhere, that was obvious but he refused to give up. He had known from the moment that he resolved to have words with the Elf that it would be difficult, yet how hard he had never quite imagined, but he was determined to get what needed to be said out in the open.
"Silence!" Estel commanded and enforced it by reaching out and pressing the palm of his hand over Legolas' mouth just before the Elf was about to speak. Eyes flaring open and body tensing, for the first time in years Legolas found himself fighting against that murderous instinct that rose inside of him. So easy, to just reach up and grab that hand, snap the wrist, fracture the arm and end the attack with his elbow braking open the human's nose...so easy... One swift move, three seconds and it could all be over. So easy and yet forbidden.
Cursing Rivendell, Lord Elrond, his father, his social standings, and anything else he could contrive, Legolas merely settled for forcefully jerking his head away from the contact and taking a large step back, warning written clearly in his eyes.
"You are not doing yourself or your cause any favors, human," Legolas spat out with a snarl. His body was itching for action; to be thrown head on into another fight and the actions of the man before him did naught to sate that lust.
"I am merely trying to gain the time to say what needs to be said!" Estel shot back, not daring to take a step forward. He had seen that look in Legolas' eyes; wild and untamed and, truth be told, it had frightened him a little. It was something that he could not place, something that was so unnatural to most Elves that he could not infer what it was.
"Fine!" Legolas sighed, once again crossing his arms in a sign of disinterest, "just hurry up!"
"You are infuriating, you know that?"
"As are yo-"
"Do not speak, just let me finish!" Estel almost shouted, his right arm shaking in a way to emphasize his words. "I was thinking long and hard on this all afternoon," Estel continued, "I could not get you out of my head and yet at the same time your last words seemed to repeat over and over again. I was brash, I admit that, and even slightly irrational and I guess threatening. So, I shall respect your request not to be kissed, not until you ask to be-"
"That, I assure you, shall never happen," Legolas said coldly, before allowing the human his right to talk.
Glaring at the Elf once again, Estel had to ask himself why he was bothering at all. Legolas was impossible! Over his years, Elrohir had been found of reminding Estel just how difficult he could be but now, after witnessing Legolas, Estel swore that he could not have been that bad.
"...But at the same time I shall not let you slip through my fingers," the human continued, all the while wishing that he had formulated something a little better and a little more classy to say. "Whether or not you wish to admit it, there was something..."
"Oh please," the Elven prince practically laughed out, not able to keep his silence a moment longer. "Spare me, for I have heard it all more times that you could imagine. 'We were meant for each other, Legolas,'" he mocked, "'Tis prewritten in fate and destiny that we should be together'. Do you know how tedious something as superficial and small-minded as that becomes after a few centuries?"
The look that passed over Estel's' face was something akin to defeat and yet riddled with utter anger. He had expected it to be hard but never did he think that it would turn out like this. Legolas' mocking seemed to revolve around in his head, the words turning over and over again in a snide jest and before he knew it, he found himself over the edge and without a foothold.
"Why must you be so difficult?" Estel finally yelled, his temper stretched far past the point of no returns.
"And why must you refuse to accept the fact that I am not interested?" the Elf shouted back, by now not caring in the slightest if anyone heard them. This had gone far enough, had touched upon too many things that Legolas wished never existed. Sure, he had had a conversation that resembled this with many people in his life time, but never had he actually felt anything more then disdain for them. No matter how much he tried to tell himself that it was all just a figment of his fatigue, there was that little voice - probably the same annoying little one that acted as his conscience - telling him that he was lying to himself. That he had felt something and that before in his room he had seen Estel in the mirror as a result of that *something*.
"Because I am not a simpleton," Estel yelled back, "I can see. Your eyes, they betray you no matter how much you like to think that you have them under control, they are the one thing that you cannot cloak in your false pretences, Legolas!"
"Do not presume, not even for a second, that you know me, Estel, for you do not." Legolas shot back, his face and the tips of his ears starting to redden in his hate. "You know nothing about me and thus you have no hope of correctly deducing something that you believe you see in me."
"And why do you think that I know nothing about you?" Estel demanded, fully expecting an answer.
Never one to disappoint, Legolas took a dangerous step forward, branching the gap that had existed between them for the last few moments and hissed right into the human's face, "Because I do not want you to!"
Jaw clenched in defiance, his eyes hard as stone, Estel replied, his tone now cool and clam, "Fine!"
"Good!"
"I am glad that we had this conversation, your highness!" It was Estel's turn to mock, offering Legolas a small bow as he slurred the last two words.
"As am I!" Legolas confirmed harshly and full of hatred. "Now let me lie to you and say that it was a pleasure talking with you and thus allow us to both move on with our lives." The Elf growled as he turned away from the red faced man, his hair catching on the slight wind that his movement created and sending it spinning lightly out before cascading back down his shoulders.
Walking away, Legolas could feel the man's eyes on his back, watching his every move. Careful to keep his steps heavier then normal and his posture straight and regal, Legolas told himself over and over that the man was not right. He had not felt anything that afternoon and he never would.
*****
To be continued...
*****
Really...I think the reason Estel does not know Legolas is because the poor Elf has only been there a day, but that did not sound half as good! Lol.
*****
Next chapter preview:
Finally uncurling his fingers, Legolas allowed the string of his bow to snap back to place, releasing the built up tension and with that the arrow. The shaft flew with a speed and grace that even struck the Elf as being astounding before burying its head deep into the center of the wooden target, a hair breadth from the last that he had fired.
Later on:
The heat of the flames hardly touched him as he started up into the branches of a tall tree, foreshadowed by the flickering flames. Lips pursed together and eyes narrowed, Legolas walked slowly across the burning grass, his eyes never once straying from his target.
*****
Replies to reviews:
CareLess: Hello and welcome to your first experience with 'Mink's insane replies to reviews which will leave you wishing that she did not in fact reply'! AHHHHHH!!!! *Bursts into hysterics* Yes, PePe LePew!!!! I never thought of that!!! But yes, oh my god, it is so true! And the way that the cat used to wiggle out of his arms and run like hell while he would merely bound after her with little love hearts above his head! That was such a disturbed cartoon! Lol. But yes, you are so right, it does seem like that - should change the chapter title to 'PePe LaPew Reflections' or something... so you don't want me to tell you if someone is going to die? All right then, I won't - I shall keep the ending all under wraps! But yes, I seem to have a issue with killing people, Elves especially but I shall not say anymore. Anyway, thank you for reviewing - it is always delightful to see new faces - and I sincerely hope that you continue to enjoy the story!
Eddie Uwnhai: like always, thank you for your wonderful help. I shall be sure to make the corrections when I actually have a moment to spare. Thank you!
Sirithiliel: All right, as far as I can see into the future of this story, there shall only be one really "slashy" scene and then the rest will pretty much be just hinted at as, lets face it, I am shocking at writing it! I am sorry if it leaves you mentally scared so I shall try and infuse it with as much action and violence as possible which, knowing me, is actually quite a lot! Lol.
Rabbit of Iron: *Sits there sharpening swords...* Well, I guess at least now I know that there were books before the movies...guess it is true: you learn something every day! Lol. *watches you crumble to the floor as your knees go weak...three seconds late she makes a move to catch you...* sorry, the reflexes are kinda slow at the moment! LOL. I am so glad that you liked it! And yes, the times you need a Rent-An-Elf!!! Though I am unsure of what I would do as I really don't like stupid chin-fuck guy (Arafuck...opps, did I say that, I meant Aragorn! Lol)
Iara: I hope you are not going to be disappointed! And thank you kindly for your review!
whispers of an angel: Oh, there is always hope for a 'pinky murder'! As I said, I am in the process of working it out...
Kael Kalespel: *Cackles with you* I am glad you like Estel and his ahem, shall we say, 'Legolas infatuation'? Lol, yes, believe it or not I find it incredibly hard to write a deadly serious slash scene...I don't know why, but they always turn out to have a bit of humor hidden in there somewhere so I a glad that you found it funny! Well, this chapter answered most of your questions - though it only really touched the surface, but still. There will be another assassination and a few more surprises in chapter seven!
Analia: *Big smiles* I am glad that I am able to brighten your day. And you thought the bickering was cute? Ah, good, good! I love to see them fight - though it went a little too far here, but it sets up later quite nicely... May I ask why you did not expect it? Yes, Estel was quite pushy, but it was either do it that way or add in another chapter or two of boring chit-chat so I opted for the 'fast-pushy Estel with explanations later' (as in what you just read). Yes, assassination is an art! AHHHHHHH!!!!! Return of the King trailer!!!!!!!! Did you see the SUPER HOT AND SEXY Elf WITH THE HOOD?????????????????????????? *faints, drools, passes out and falls off the seat...in very random orders...* But ahh, *fans self down* it looks great. And did you see that lovely little bit at the end with Legolas surrounded by all the Orcs? Wow, the plotbunnies really kicked in for that part so yes, Minka has yet another 'Legolas death fic' posted...I really need to stop doing that! Lol. Other skills? *acts innocent* which other skills? Lol. But oh, he will find out soon...maybe...
Tainted Fortune: Lol, oh, do not apologize! It gave me something to puzzle over for a little while and then another review to reply to - fills in the time! Lol. Yes, Estel moves fast - really too fast in my opinion, but for the sake of sanity, if he did not make him move soon, then all that I have preplanned would need to be pushed back and there would have to be a number of pointless, boring chapters in the middle. It is just better this way. The knife part is next chapter and you shall just have to wait and see who it is...
*****
That's me finally done. Thank you and all that stuff that I normally say
Minka
I was going to say something here about my livejournal account, but for the life of me, I can't even think about forming a proper sentence at the moment, so I am just going to leave it at; I am going to use it as an update log and a way to mass answer any questions that people may have. Will also put up chapter/story previews and inform any that look if there is to be any delays in posting. Umm, yeah, the link's on my bio page.
Thank Valar this chapter was written awhile ago as it takes on a slightly more lighthearted feeling - we have Legolas talking to himself and yes, the return of the evil little voice in Legolas' head. But after this things are about to get serious again.
I shan't waste any more of your time...
*****
The Thrill of the Chase
Chapter Five
False Façade
*****
There's something inside me that
Pulls beneath the surface
Consuming, confusing
This lack of self-control
I fear is never-ending
Controlling, I can't seem
To find myself again
My walls are closing in
"Crawling" Linkin Park
*****
Slamming the door to his room shut, Legolas let his head bang back against the painted wood, his eyes closed as a frown creased his forehead.
He was angry; angry at himself for allowing the man to do such a thing and infuriated at Estel himself for actually daring to touch him in such a way.
Or was it that he was irritated due to the fact that he had almost enjoyed it? Or *had* he enjoyed it? Been excited by the forthrightness of the man that had presumed to do such a thing without his consent? Had he liked the way that Estel had pursued him even as he had backed away?
Letting his head thump against the door a few more times for good measure hoping that it might knock some sense into him, Legolas let out a deep breath, trying to rid himself of the metaphorical questions that raced through his head like a wild horse.
Pushing off the heavy door, Legolas rolled his head and stretched his neck, slowly loosening the tight muscles within his shoulders and collarbone as his eyes traveled over to the large, open balcony. The sun was almost setting in the far west, the fragment of light playing against the clouds and making the sky a cross between a rose pink and golden yellow. As always, the passing of the day saw the night drawing nearer, and with that came the time for dinner in the banquet halls.
Groaning at the thought of having to be near the man again, Legolas absentmindedly started to unbuckle his belt. Slipping the worn leather from around his waist and allowing his tunic to hang loose, he let it drop inattentively to the floor, the object all but forgotten as soon as it had left his hands.
His mind, much to his distress, kept wandering back to the garden and the man that he had met under the trees. As he started to untie the leather fastenings of his left gauntlet, he found that he seemed to remember every single moment of the encounter. The man's voice, the sparkle in his eyes, the way in which Estel had looked down at him as Legolas retreated from his approach; that thrill that had ran laps around his body as Estel finally sealed their lips.
He...he hated him! He *had* to hate him!
"Damn it!" he yelled as he forced his mind back to the present while throwing the harden leather arm-guard to the floor. Emitting an infuriated growl, Legolas plopped himself down on the edge of his bed, his head falling immediately into his hands.
For long moments he just sat there, his attempts of getting changed for dinner utterly forgotten as he massaged his temples and willed himself to 'get a grip'.
Fingertips still pressed to the sides of his head, Legolas propped his head up and looked about the room, searching with his eyes as if the answer to all his troubles would be spelt out in the walls.
The room was as he had last left it, granted much tidier as he had departed in quite a rush the last time he was here. The large, soft and inviting bed lay against one wall, the actual piece of furniture on a raised dais of three steps, making it much higher then the rest of the room. The soft silken sheets were of a deep green and silver, the sooner being the fitted and the latter the one that hung in lengths over the edge of the bed. Numerous pillows lay scattered across the head of the bed, their layout both erratic and precise at the same time especially as their range of colours matched perfectly - another touch of Erestor's, no doubt. The rest of the room was dedicated to space and creating a feeling of freedom and harmony. The entire west wall was open, green drapes being the only form of enclosure as they hung from four great, marble arches. Beyond that lay a private balcony, shielded from the view of prying eyes by a tangle of trees, flowing vines and a softly bubbling river below. To his right there were two doors, one that led to the hallway and the other to a small, personal washroom. Ahead of Legolas there was a large, open fire place with a cluster of different chairs, all soft and comfortable, incase he had anyone frequent his rooms. A writing desk and chair were the only other major furnishings in the room apart from the small chest of draws and a number of smaller tables that lined the walls.
It was a lovely room to say the least, one that he felt right at home in which was not an easy thing for him. It had been given to him on his first visit and since he and the twins had formed such a bond, resulting in his frequent visits, it had remained permanently set up and reserved for him alone.
After his perusal of the room, Legolas caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror that stood against the far wall. Locking eyes with his reflection, the prince of Mirkwood glared himself down as if he were an enemy. Legolas looked himself up and down, sized up his weakness and flaws until he finally set his jaw tight and angles his head slightly upwards.
"It was nothing!" he told himself harshly and out loud as if it would have more effect upon him if the words were actually spoken. "Nothing!" Rolling his shoulders once again, he busied himself with unfastening his other gauntlet. "It meant nothing, you felt nothing - why?" he questioned himself, "Because it was nothing!" came the answer.
Standing to his feet but not before sending himself one last deadly, warning look, Legolas walked slowly over to the small door next to the mirror. Tugging on the handle a little harder then need be, he swung the door open and almost pushed himself off balance in the process.
Hissing at the door - or maybe himself - Legolas set his mind to the task of finding something appropriate to wear. Ever since one of his very first visits, he had left at least two formal outfits at the Last Homely House and a number of traveling garments, yet, as time passed and he found that he slipped in more and more frequently, he had started to leave a great deal of spare clothes in his room.
Searching through the folded garments, he pulled out all that would be considered formal wear and looked them over with a selective eye.
There was one of a silvery blue fabric from Lothlórien, light velvet in the traditional colours of the royal family of Mirkwood and a midnight blue and black set.
"Which one would Estel li-" Stopping himself mid-sentence, Legolas covered his mouth with his hand in shock, really wishing that he was able to slap himself. He could not believe that he had thought that, let alone said it out loud. He did not care what the human liked or wanted, not at all! The entire incident in the garden had been nothing; a complete misunderstanding. The only reason that it insisted on resurfacing in his mind was due to the fact that it was so unsettling and disturbing and that he really had hated the entire situation!
Snatching up the slivery tunic and pants - the first on the pile - Legolas hurried himself off to his wash room, talking to himself all the way.
"You are just tense, Legolas!" he chided himself, "the other night did not go quite as planned, but it is over now. You just need some time to relax; unwind. It was nothing, just the aftermath of the events of the other night - pent up steam."
Closing the door to the wash room, Legolas once again glared at himself in the mirror that was in there while wondering why there had to be so many in this place. His reflection seemed to taunt him, the air behind him filled with images of a man that he did not wish to see ever again, let alone lingering above his shoulder.
"Tense," Legolas said in the mirror, forcing his eyes to focus and the vision of Estel to blur and disperse. "Tired. Yes, that is it. Tired. Worn out. It was a trying night." Legolas muttered to himself as he went about poking the embers that lay beneath the raised tub, pushing them further underneath to better heat the cooling water.
As Legolas waited for the water to be of a satisfactory temperature, he roamed around the room, lighting the scattered candles while still trying to fully work the kinks out of his shoulders and neck. It felt as if he had carried the world on his back, though he hardly knew why. Nothing of the other night had been that strenuous. Difficult and unexpected, yes, but nothing too physically exhausting. As the Elf pulled his tunic over his head and loosened his pants, he entertained the notion that perhaps he was simply becoming too old for the things that he did as he sunk deep into the warm water. Laughing at the foolishness of such a thought, Legolas allowed the soothing waters to take effect on his body, loosen his joints and stressed muscles as the few crushed leaves and flower buds that floated in the bath worked their magic on his mind. He was already starting to feel better, more relaxed and of stable mind.
Everything would be fine. He just needed to unwind and relax for a bit and then he would be set to face the world again, his cheery Prince-like conduct fully in place.
It had simply been the results of a rough night...
*****
The dinning hall was crowded, packed full of Elves from various places and on ranging missions and agendas, making it even easier for Legolas to slip into the crowd of those not permanently living in the fair city. That was all he wanted tonight, to be able to shrink into the background and allow others to do the talking and laughing.
While he was partly granted his wish, it did not come without a great sacrifice.
Legolas had found out almost as soon as he stepped into the hall that much to his distaste, he was in Rivendell without a great deal company other then Estel's. Elladan and Elrohir were off on one of their fabled hunting trips, apparently meeting up with a group of Rangers that were frequenting the area at the moment and tracking a large band of Orcs across the Misty Mountains. Their sister, Arwen, was currently in Lothlórien with her grandparents. Under any normal circumstances Legolas would have been happy about that fact, but at the moment, faced with only Estel, Arwen was starting to look like good company. In fact, the only non-disastrous occurrence that the night had to offer was Lord Elrond's request for Legolas' visit to be formal, thus Legolas found himself sitting on the right of the Elven lord with Estel sitting on Elrond's left. To Legolas' own right sat Erestor and in front of the prince sat an Elf from Lothlórien, his dinner partner for the night.
The meal itself passed without any hiccups. Without the twins there, there was no one to willingly dig up old and embarrassing stories and no one that would be willing to get up to any mischief whatsoever. Legolas only had to speak to Estel once, asking him if he could pass the salt and even that went without tribulations. It was not until the dishes were being cleared and full conversation struck up that there was any mishaps at all, and even though were trivial and did not concern Legolas in the slightest.
"Legolas?" The sound of his name brought his eyes flying from the patterns in the wooden table and up to meet the Elf's eyes. He had been sitting across from the prince and, much to Legolas' dismay, had been trying to make light conversation all night. The only problem was that Legolas was neither one for idle chitchat when in such a mood and had no mind for the small smiles that the other had been sending his way throughout the duration of the meal. In fact, Legolas could not even remember the others name...
"Oh," Legolas offered a small, apologetic smile as he wiped at the corner of his eyes, trying to keep them showing his disinterest, "I am so sorry. What did you say?"
"I asked you how Mirkwood was faring, your highness," the other prompted with a grin of his own.
Inwardly groaning, Legolas tried to think of something worthwhile to tell him while pushing aside his dislike of the formal term the other had used. It did naught but remind him of the life and customs which he tried so desperately to escape and yet others seemed to think that for some strange, twisted reason, he liked them to use it as some form of flattery.
"Life goes on," Legolas started, not entirely sure where he was heading with the explanation. "The Elves of Mirkwood are thriving, as is the forest closer to home, but still the darkness approaches despite the great lengths that we go to in order to keep it at bay."
"It must be terrible for you," the other stated dramatically, placing within Legolas the want to roll his eyes.
"Oh yes, horrible," he replied flatly as his head sunk inevitably into his left hand.
"It must be refreshing to get out into the open again, I take it," the other continued, his eyes not leaving Legolas' although the prince had taken to looking around the room. After the happenings in the garden that afternoon, formality was the last thing on his mind. He did not care who saw, or who thought that it was inappropriate for him to do such, just as long as he did not have to sit there and listen to this pointless talk for too much longer.
"Indeed." Again the words were flat and meaningless; simply a last attempt at remaining civil.
"So," Legolas' dinner partner started up once again, obviously not getting the point, "do you have anyone waiting for yo-"
"Perhaps you should get some rest, Legolas," Erestor interjected. He had just turned to see the Elven prince slumped against his hand looking extremely bored and tired while getting his pointed ear talked off by one of the less tactful Elves visiting from Lothlórien.
Sending a silent thank you to the Valar for Erestor's sharp eye, Legolas turned away from his dinner partner and looked to the older Elf with a small, thankful grin.
"It must have been a long journey and a trying night. No doubt you feel as if you could sleep for a week." The advisor said synthetically.
Legolas could not agree with that statement more and so, it was with a light heart that he nodded his head in acceptance of the other Elf's worry. He had never really been one to accept being treated as if he would break, but at the moment is seemed best to just come to terms with the fact that they all seemed to think that he was some delicate doll that might break while seizing the opportunity to get a good night's sleep.
"I am ashamed to admit that you are correct." Legolas said with a small smile, "and so I shall take your advice and retire early, with my dinner partner's and Lord's permission of course." After receiving an understanding nod from Elrond, who was at the time engrossed in an animate conversation with Glorfindel and a bow from the other Elf along with a promise to talk again soon, Legolas gracefully stood, bowed to his host and thanked Erestor for his concern before slowly and regally heading to the door.
A relieved sigh passed the Prince of Mirkwood's lips as he stepped into the cool night air. It always felt good to get away from the bustling within the great dinning halls and even better if he was able to steal away early, long before he was convinced by some fool that had taken a liking to him to accompany him into the Hall of Fire in order to join in the festivities.
Although it had been a jewel of discovery that he had made in the hall that night. Instead of acting his usual self while pushing his mixed annoyance and fatigue to the side, he found that if the went against almost everything that he was meant to do, in a polite fashion of course, Erestor would begin to worry and thus practically push him out the door, claiming that the prince had been attack on his way here and was in great need of rest. It was only a slight stretch of the truth, after all, he had been attacked, just not in the way that he lead them to believe. Even that little voice that felt the need to speak up whenever he did something immoral had nothing to say about it, which Legolas took as a good sign.
At the moment there was nothing that he wanted more then to get into something a little more comfortable and crawl into bed. His shoulders had resumed their throbbing after the soothing effects of his hot bath wore off and he was utterly unsure as to whether or not he could keep his back straight and shoulders back for much longer. The fact that he had no clue as to what made them hurt so was also an interesting one for, in all truthfulness, he had done naught that should have aggravated them except for the possibility of pulling the guard onto the roof rafters. Perhaps it was simply his body's way of informing him that it was time to take a small break.
Intent on going straight to his room, Legolas found his night's peace and dreams of comfort shattered with one yelled word.
"Legolas," Estel called as the Elf made his way from the hall.
At the sound of his name and the recollection of the voice, Legolas let out a small growl of annoyance before gradually slowing his pace, his shoulders dropping despite himself. It would not be preferable to completely shun the young man and, if Estel was here for what he hoped then it would be the perfect opportunity to put that afternoons actions far behind them. By the time Estel had caught up to the Elf, Legolas had set his face into his usual passive and emotionless façade, ready to face the human and hopefully get rid of the boy once and for all.
Falling into step with the Elf, Estel looked the archer over, his features almost betraying him as he was once again stunned by the beauty before him. "May I have a word?"
"I believe you have already had a few," Legolas pointed out with a barely disguised snarl. Maybe the human was not as dense as most and he would obtain the hint behind Legolas' actions and just leave him alone...?
"About this afternoon - in the garden," Estel started, his voice wavering slightly as he blundered in the choosing of his words.
Taking pity upon the man, Legolas stopped his walking and turned to face Estel, a smile upon his face and his eyes kind. "It is all right. It was a misunderstanding, that is all," Legolas offered him, feeling for sure that that was what Estel had been about to say.
"Nay!" the human half shrieked, his eyes opening wide and his mouth dropping open.
"Nay?" Legolas queried with a small quirk of his eyebrow.
"Nay," the human breathed out while looking down at the Elf, a small smile playing across his lips. "It was not nothing. I...I." The words seemed to refuse to come to him and, under Legolas' steady gaze, Estel felt his courage drain away like a receding tide.
Deciding to allow his actions to speak for him, Estel reached out quickly and wrapped both arms tightly around the Elf's waist, pulling him right up against his chest and forcing Legolas to tilt his head upright.
"Estel!" Legolas protested, his hands flying to his lower back where he made to pull the man's off him.
"Please," Estel pleaded, "give me a moment to explain. Please."
Utterly torn, Legolas merely narrowed his eyes at the human as he looked him up and down. The last thing that he needed was an enemy in Rivendell, especially one with such a social standing as the human but at the same time he was completely sick of being treated in such a matter. Finally deciding on a compromise, Legolas went about tugging at the man's hands anew.
"You may have your moment," he started, the words barely formed as he forced them out through grinding, clenched teeth, "though it shall not be in thus manner. Now unhand me!"
"But..."
"Now!" The element of command in the Elf's voice was not lost to the human, and, fearing that he should anger the prince even more, Estel hesitantly let go of the other's waist.
"Just do not go running off on me," Estel counted with a command of his own as Legolas fully pulled himself from the man's grip.
As the man told him what he could and could not do, Legolas' eyes flared before returning to their near constantly narrowed state. It seemed that all he been doing was frowning since he arrived and, glaring at the human once again, Legolas knew that it was all because of Estel. Oh how he wished that they were both somewhere else where it would not matter if he taught him a thing or two on manners.
"Then be out with it so I can continue on my way," Legolas said with a dismissive yet commanding wave of his right hand - something that he had learnt to do years ago at his father's court. It seemed to cause others a great deal of discomfort for reasons that Legolas could only guess at. Arms crossing over his chest, his weight shifting to his left foot and his head held slightly to the right, Legolas settled for watching the human, all the while wondering what fabrication Estel would contrive.
"Today, in the garden," Estel started, only to see the small but visible sigh and slight roll of the eyes that acted as the Elf's response. Trying his best to ignore the reaction of Legolas, Estel expelled his own sigh before plowing head on into his explanation. "I do not think that it was a mistake nor do I think that you truly do. I saw something in your eyes..."
"That would have been shock and despondency," Legolas interrupted before allowing the human to even think he could tell Legolas what he felt. That was not the way that things happened!
"Call it what you will," Estel continued, ignoring the statement from the Elf just as he dismissed the persistently harsh glare that Legolas sent his way. "But I am not afraid to admit that I felt something!"
"I am not afraid!" Legolas protested in shock, his weight shifting to his right leg as his face moved closer to Estel's to better prove his point, "'tis just that I shall not admit to something that I did not feel in the first place!"
"You felt something!" Estel
"Fine, I did," Legolas admitted quickly and before the human had the chance to open his mouth, "the want and need to gag!"
At this Estel just grunted, his fingers curling as his jaw tightened. They were getting nowhere, that was obvious but he refused to give up. He had known from the moment that he resolved to have words with the Elf that it would be difficult, yet how hard he had never quite imagined, but he was determined to get what needed to be said out in the open.
"Silence!" Estel commanded and enforced it by reaching out and pressing the palm of his hand over Legolas' mouth just before the Elf was about to speak. Eyes flaring open and body tensing, for the first time in years Legolas found himself fighting against that murderous instinct that rose inside of him. So easy, to just reach up and grab that hand, snap the wrist, fracture the arm and end the attack with his elbow braking open the human's nose...so easy... One swift move, three seconds and it could all be over. So easy and yet forbidden.
Cursing Rivendell, Lord Elrond, his father, his social standings, and anything else he could contrive, Legolas merely settled for forcefully jerking his head away from the contact and taking a large step back, warning written clearly in his eyes.
"You are not doing yourself or your cause any favors, human," Legolas spat out with a snarl. His body was itching for action; to be thrown head on into another fight and the actions of the man before him did naught to sate that lust.
"I am merely trying to gain the time to say what needs to be said!" Estel shot back, not daring to take a step forward. He had seen that look in Legolas' eyes; wild and untamed and, truth be told, it had frightened him a little. It was something that he could not place, something that was so unnatural to most Elves that he could not infer what it was.
"Fine!" Legolas sighed, once again crossing his arms in a sign of disinterest, "just hurry up!"
"You are infuriating, you know that?"
"As are yo-"
"Do not speak, just let me finish!" Estel almost shouted, his right arm shaking in a way to emphasize his words. "I was thinking long and hard on this all afternoon," Estel continued, "I could not get you out of my head and yet at the same time your last words seemed to repeat over and over again. I was brash, I admit that, and even slightly irrational and I guess threatening. So, I shall respect your request not to be kissed, not until you ask to be-"
"That, I assure you, shall never happen," Legolas said coldly, before allowing the human his right to talk.
Glaring at the Elf once again, Estel had to ask himself why he was bothering at all. Legolas was impossible! Over his years, Elrohir had been found of reminding Estel just how difficult he could be but now, after witnessing Legolas, Estel swore that he could not have been that bad.
"...But at the same time I shall not let you slip through my fingers," the human continued, all the while wishing that he had formulated something a little better and a little more classy to say. "Whether or not you wish to admit it, there was something..."
"Oh please," the Elven prince practically laughed out, not able to keep his silence a moment longer. "Spare me, for I have heard it all more times that you could imagine. 'We were meant for each other, Legolas,'" he mocked, "'Tis prewritten in fate and destiny that we should be together'. Do you know how tedious something as superficial and small-minded as that becomes after a few centuries?"
The look that passed over Estel's' face was something akin to defeat and yet riddled with utter anger. He had expected it to be hard but never did he think that it would turn out like this. Legolas' mocking seemed to revolve around in his head, the words turning over and over again in a snide jest and before he knew it, he found himself over the edge and without a foothold.
"Why must you be so difficult?" Estel finally yelled, his temper stretched far past the point of no returns.
"And why must you refuse to accept the fact that I am not interested?" the Elf shouted back, by now not caring in the slightest if anyone heard them. This had gone far enough, had touched upon too many things that Legolas wished never existed. Sure, he had had a conversation that resembled this with many people in his life time, but never had he actually felt anything more then disdain for them. No matter how much he tried to tell himself that it was all just a figment of his fatigue, there was that little voice - probably the same annoying little one that acted as his conscience - telling him that he was lying to himself. That he had felt something and that before in his room he had seen Estel in the mirror as a result of that *something*.
"Because I am not a simpleton," Estel yelled back, "I can see. Your eyes, they betray you no matter how much you like to think that you have them under control, they are the one thing that you cannot cloak in your false pretences, Legolas!"
"Do not presume, not even for a second, that you know me, Estel, for you do not." Legolas shot back, his face and the tips of his ears starting to redden in his hate. "You know nothing about me and thus you have no hope of correctly deducing something that you believe you see in me."
"And why do you think that I know nothing about you?" Estel demanded, fully expecting an answer.
Never one to disappoint, Legolas took a dangerous step forward, branching the gap that had existed between them for the last few moments and hissed right into the human's face, "Because I do not want you to!"
Jaw clenched in defiance, his eyes hard as stone, Estel replied, his tone now cool and clam, "Fine!"
"Good!"
"I am glad that we had this conversation, your highness!" It was Estel's turn to mock, offering Legolas a small bow as he slurred the last two words.
"As am I!" Legolas confirmed harshly and full of hatred. "Now let me lie to you and say that it was a pleasure talking with you and thus allow us to both move on with our lives." The Elf growled as he turned away from the red faced man, his hair catching on the slight wind that his movement created and sending it spinning lightly out before cascading back down his shoulders.
Walking away, Legolas could feel the man's eyes on his back, watching his every move. Careful to keep his steps heavier then normal and his posture straight and regal, Legolas told himself over and over that the man was not right. He had not felt anything that afternoon and he never would.
*****
To be continued...
*****
Really...I think the reason Estel does not know Legolas is because the poor Elf has only been there a day, but that did not sound half as good! Lol.
*****
Next chapter preview:
Finally uncurling his fingers, Legolas allowed the string of his bow to snap back to place, releasing the built up tension and with that the arrow. The shaft flew with a speed and grace that even struck the Elf as being astounding before burying its head deep into the center of the wooden target, a hair breadth from the last that he had fired.
Later on:
The heat of the flames hardly touched him as he started up into the branches of a tall tree, foreshadowed by the flickering flames. Lips pursed together and eyes narrowed, Legolas walked slowly across the burning grass, his eyes never once straying from his target.
*****
Replies to reviews:
CareLess: Hello and welcome to your first experience with 'Mink's insane replies to reviews which will leave you wishing that she did not in fact reply'! AHHHHHH!!!! *Bursts into hysterics* Yes, PePe LePew!!!! I never thought of that!!! But yes, oh my god, it is so true! And the way that the cat used to wiggle out of his arms and run like hell while he would merely bound after her with little love hearts above his head! That was such a disturbed cartoon! Lol. But yes, you are so right, it does seem like that - should change the chapter title to 'PePe LaPew Reflections' or something... so you don't want me to tell you if someone is going to die? All right then, I won't - I shall keep the ending all under wraps! But yes, I seem to have a issue with killing people, Elves especially but I shall not say anymore. Anyway, thank you for reviewing - it is always delightful to see new faces - and I sincerely hope that you continue to enjoy the story!
Eddie Uwnhai: like always, thank you for your wonderful help. I shall be sure to make the corrections when I actually have a moment to spare. Thank you!
Sirithiliel: All right, as far as I can see into the future of this story, there shall only be one really "slashy" scene and then the rest will pretty much be just hinted at as, lets face it, I am shocking at writing it! I am sorry if it leaves you mentally scared so I shall try and infuse it with as much action and violence as possible which, knowing me, is actually quite a lot! Lol.
Rabbit of Iron: *Sits there sharpening swords...* Well, I guess at least now I know that there were books before the movies...guess it is true: you learn something every day! Lol. *watches you crumble to the floor as your knees go weak...three seconds late she makes a move to catch you...* sorry, the reflexes are kinda slow at the moment! LOL. I am so glad that you liked it! And yes, the times you need a Rent-An-Elf!!! Though I am unsure of what I would do as I really don't like stupid chin-fuck guy (Arafuck...opps, did I say that, I meant Aragorn! Lol)
Iara: I hope you are not going to be disappointed! And thank you kindly for your review!
whispers of an angel: Oh, there is always hope for a 'pinky murder'! As I said, I am in the process of working it out...
Kael Kalespel: *Cackles with you* I am glad you like Estel and his ahem, shall we say, 'Legolas infatuation'? Lol, yes, believe it or not I find it incredibly hard to write a deadly serious slash scene...I don't know why, but they always turn out to have a bit of humor hidden in there somewhere so I a glad that you found it funny! Well, this chapter answered most of your questions - though it only really touched the surface, but still. There will be another assassination and a few more surprises in chapter seven!
Analia: *Big smiles* I am glad that I am able to brighten your day. And you thought the bickering was cute? Ah, good, good! I love to see them fight - though it went a little too far here, but it sets up later quite nicely... May I ask why you did not expect it? Yes, Estel was quite pushy, but it was either do it that way or add in another chapter or two of boring chit-chat so I opted for the 'fast-pushy Estel with explanations later' (as in what you just read). Yes, assassination is an art! AHHHHHHH!!!!! Return of the King trailer!!!!!!!! Did you see the SUPER HOT AND SEXY Elf WITH THE HOOD?????????????????????????? *faints, drools, passes out and falls off the seat...in very random orders...* But ahh, *fans self down* it looks great. And did you see that lovely little bit at the end with Legolas surrounded by all the Orcs? Wow, the plotbunnies really kicked in for that part so yes, Minka has yet another 'Legolas death fic' posted...I really need to stop doing that! Lol. Other skills? *acts innocent* which other skills? Lol. But oh, he will find out soon...maybe...
Tainted Fortune: Lol, oh, do not apologize! It gave me something to puzzle over for a little while and then another review to reply to - fills in the time! Lol. Yes, Estel moves fast - really too fast in my opinion, but for the sake of sanity, if he did not make him move soon, then all that I have preplanned would need to be pushed back and there would have to be a number of pointless, boring chapters in the middle. It is just better this way. The knife part is next chapter and you shall just have to wait and see who it is...
*****
That's me finally done. Thank you and all that stuff that I normally say
Minka