Chapter three. No, you haven't read about Mithfalas yet, though a couple of
you are pretty close at figuring out who he is. Enjoy, I tried to make it
long, but it turned out way longer than I wanted. You're next chapter is
probably going to be really short, just warning you. Also, now is a good
time to remind of my views on Thranduil, and there is a really sweet scene
with him and Legolas coming up very soon, okay No death threats on canon
breaking. I think I've justified myself enough now. Happy reading!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~
Elrond sat in his large chair, facing the entryway to his home. He heard merry voices coming ever nearer. He casually glanced out the window to find that the moon had long passed from his vision.
The door was thrown open and Legolas and Aragorn stumbled in, both caked in mud, and seemingly wet.
"The hour is late."
The sentence was spoken very softly, but it sobered both friends immediately. Legolas remained quiet, but Aragorn began finding excuses. "I'm sorry, Father. We lost track of time-"
"The fading of the sun did not alert you then?"
"And then my horse began spooking madly-"
"Spooking at what, may I ask?"
"So Legolas and I were trying to calm her down, and then Legolas' horse began spooking," he looked sideways as his friend looked at him with disdain.
His father had apparently caught the error in the statement as well. "Legolas, you have suddenly found yourself without the ability to read your horse?"
"No, sir, but I was so preoccupied with Strider's horse, that Elentari was neglected. It was only because of your son's lack of capability." Legolas could not resist the barb towards his friend.
"And all of this took how long?"
"Well, not long at all, actually. But just as we were remounting, a soldier came walking towards us, and proclaiming that he was. . ." Aragorn was searching for something to say. "Mandos!"
Legolas winced.
The man continued. "Clearly he was off his beam."
Elrond tried to hide his smile. "Clearly."
"And he blocked our path, so, we had to convince him that he was indeed not one of the Valar. Then, he remembered who he really was. Just like that! However, he was lost, so we had to show him the way to where he was going-"
"And where was he going, Estel?"
The human looked to Legolas for help, but the elf had his head in his hand, and was trying desperately not to laugh.
"Uhm. . . oh! Tarduian's kingdom."
"You went out that far?"
"Well I had to show Legolas the cave."
"And what did you think of it, Legolas?"
The elf lifted his head. Elrond couldn't possibly be falling for this, could he? "It was rather fascinating."
"What was fascinating about it?"
"Well, it. . ." He glanced behind the elf lord's chair, in the doorway, where Elrohir had appeared. He was making motions with his hands. ". . . had marvelous stalagmites."
Elrond nodded. "Estel, go to bed. I will deal with you in the morning."
The young man sighed, then looked at Legolas and shrugged. "I tried. I'll see you in the morning."
Once Aragorn had gone, Elrond spoke again. "Elrohir, go to bed." The elf behind him straightened up, obviously unaware to that point that his father knew of his presence. "Legolas, why were you so late in?"
"My lord, if you must know, we had a run in with orcs. We didn't go searching for them, mind you. They found us."
"They usually do, don't they? You need to return home."
"What? My lord, I only just arrived. If did something to offend you, truly I am sorry-"
Elrond sighed. "You did nothing, Legolas. I know you just arrived, but a messenger from your father arrived today. You are needed back in Mirkwood."
Legolas sat back, defeated. "There was a time when I looked forward to going home."
He ignored the comment. "I think he only requires your presence for an ambassador that is there. If it would make the time more bearable, take Estel with you."
Legolas raised an eyebrow. "You would allow that?"
Elrond nodded. "I trust you to protect him. I trust your father not to lose his temper with my child."
"No, he only does that with his own children."
Elrond shook his head sadly. "Has he done anything since Mithfalas left?"
"No, my lord."
"Legolas, look me in the eyes and tell me no."
The elf looked up, but was silent for a minute. Finally, he said, "No, my lord. But there is always the threat hanging in the air. It's as if he dares me to cross him, or to even mention Mithfalas."
"Or to cry?"
"That is not befitting of a warrior, my lord."
"Stay the night, Legolas. You can leave in the morning. Now please, go rest."
Legolas rose and turned towards the door, but Elrond made him stop in his tracks.
"Perhaps one day you will get to see that cave."
Legolas laughed. "Perhaps, my lord. Again I thank you for your hospitality."
"You are always welcome under this roof, Legolas. Always, not matter the circumstance."
Legolas nodded, then retreated to his room.
'One day,' Elrond thought to himself, 'that boy will get himself into more trouble than he can ever imagine. He will truly follow his brother's path.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~
Aragorn looked at his friend, who was staring off into the distance. His mind was somewhere else, somewhere past the corruption of this world.
"What are you thinking about, Legolas?"
The voice drew Legolas back to reality very slowly. He paused before responding. "I'm not sure. How very little I like snow. How much I am dreading returning to my father so soon. How much I enjoy your company."
Aragorn smiled. "I'm surprised your horse isn't walking on top of this snow."
The elf laughed lightly. "No, Strider. Only elves can do that, not our horses. Though, it would make this journey far easier."
"No it wouldn't."
Legolas looked at his human companion. "What did you say?"
"You would find some other reason to travel slowly."
Legolas sighed, returning his gaze to the horizon. "I suppose."
"I have to tell you, I'm really excited about meeting your father."
Legolas laughed. "Now who's being sarcastic?"
A while later, after a very long journey due to bad weather, Legolas looked up. "Well, here we are. My father's halls."
Aragorn looked up. "You live in a cave?"
Legolas said defensively, "It is not a cave! Far from it my friend, our halls are not those of the dwarves."
"Sorry," the man mumbled, not noticing the difference. It did look remarkably like a cave.
Before Legolas could say the magic word, the gates were flung open. "Hurry, Legolas! Your father is in a frenzy!"
"Thank you, Minastir. Would you take our horses to the stables, and show Strider here where he will be staying?"
"Of course, my lord. Strider, is it?"
The man nodded absently, watching Legolas rush to his destination.
"Follow me, please."
Aragorn took one last glance at his friend, then followed the other elf in a different direction.
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Legolas took a deep breath of composure before stepping into his father's study.
"Legolas! Where have you been? The ambassador is arriving tonight, within the hour. What took you so long?"
"Father, please, calm down. I returned home as quickly as the weather would allow."
In a rare moment of peace, Thranduil looked Legolas in the eye. "I was worried."
"I am sorry, Father."
"Please, go get dressed. Your nicest attire. This is important."
"I understand, Father. So that you know, Strider of Elrond's house has accompanied me here."
"The human?" There was a hint of distaste in the elf's voice.
"Only by race, Father, not by mannerism."
The king raised a think eyebrow at his son.
"Of all people, father, you can trust me on the behaviors of men."
Thranduil said nothing, but nodded at his son to hurry. The prince bowed, then retreated to his chambers.
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Legolas searched through his drawers with lightning speed. 'My nicest attire. . . where is it?' He was looking for his silver tunic, but it was nowhere to be found. He finally settled on a rich green one, and quickly threw it over his head.
"Ah," he said out loud. "I left it in Rivendell. Since the last time I saw Arwen."
There was an abrupt knock at the door. "Yes?"
"My lord," it was Minastir's voice. "The guests are here. Your father is leading them into the Great Hall and has requested that you be there before he arrives."
Legolas groaned. He gave the elf no response, but pushed his door open and sprinted down the staircase. He navigated his way through the halls, just barely avoiding the walls. He could have done it with his eyes closed, he had run through these halls so many times.
It was a game when he was little. He would wait as long as possibly to appear at dinner. He wanted to see just how far he could push his father. . . but that had been when his mother was alive.
~*~*~*~*~*~Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~
~He skidded to a halt just outside the doors to the dining hall, then entered with a great amount of dignity for one of his age. All eyes turned to him.
'Oh no,' he thought, 'I'm a bit too late.'
He glanced at the head table. The seat next to his father remained empty. It gave Legolas hope that maybe his mother would return, though it had been so long and he knew that dream was folly. He was, in a human's terms, the equivalent of 16; he should not hold on to such childish dreams. He caught his father's glare. There was dangerous anger behind the royal eyes.
Mithfalas too had seen that mad look, and was trying fruitlessly to stifle his laughter because of it.~
~*~*~*~*~*~End Flashback~*~*~*~*~*
Legolas shivered at the memory. The doors were just in sight. He could hear his father's voice, and could just see him turning the corner opposite of Legolas. He caught his son's eyes, and smiled. 'Go,' he mouthed.
Legolas almost laughed, dodging into the dining hall just before the guests could see him.
Thranduil and his guests entered only seconds after the prince, who was now siting neatly at the table. He rose gracefully as three men entered the room behind his father.
"Haron, Merithol, Dinivul, this is my son, Legolas, the crown prince of Mirkwood."
Legolas bowed in respect. "My lords."
"Please," Thranduil said, "be seated."
Legolas sat back down, remaining on his father's right.
One of the men leaned towards the head of the table. "I was under the impression you had more children."
Thranduil shot a warning glare at Legolas, then responded to his guest. "Nay, Legolas is my only child."
The prince would not meet his father's eyes. True, Mithfalas had gone against his father's word, but it was not the act of treason Thranduil had passed it off as. A pang of guilt stabbed at him. It never would have happened it hadn't been for him.
~*~*~*~*~*~Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~
~ "You will never, I repeat, never be late to dinner again, am I understood?"
Legolas nodded at his father's booming voice. He was trembling, waiting for his father's next strike of anger. Already the king had brought blood to Legolas' face, but he was angry and there was no reasoning with him now.
He shoved Legolas against the wall. The prince stifled a grunt of pain.
"What were you thinking?" His son said nothing. "ANSWER ME!"
"Are you so threatened by me that you have to resort to this?" His brashness was rewarded with a blow to his stomach the brought him to his knees. He fell forward, using one hand to brace himself. The king prepared himself for another strike, but Legolas fell back against the wall, halfway to unconsciousness.
The door flung open. Both heads turned to see who was there.
"Legolas?" The crown prince of Mirkwood started forward, seeing his brother so badly beaten.
"Mithfalas, this does not concern you, leave now!"
The prince looked at his father, as if noticing him for the first time.~
~*~*~*~*~*~End Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~
"Are you sure, Thranduil? I would have bet money that you had at least one more son."
The king sighed. "I did, once."
'Men,' Legolas thought, 'do not know when to quit.' He sighed. 'Nor do children.'
"What happened to him then? Dead, is he?"
"Dead only to his people."
"I don't understand, my lord."
Thranduil was quiet. Legolas looked at the man who was pressing his father for questions. An unnatural shiver ran down his spine; there was something about the man he didn't like.
'No,' he told himself. 'There is something about every man that you don't like. Even Aragorn.' He sighed as he admitted the last statement to himself.
"My lord?"
Legolas had not realized it, but his father had remained quiet.
"It was an act of treason that he was exiled for. It is not something I wish to discuss further."
~*~*~*~*~*~Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~
~ "Mithfalas! I said, stay back!" The king roared.
"Heca, Ada," the crown prince was so full of rage that he could only speak in his native tongue. He pushed past his father and knelt by Legolas. Thranduil started forward.
"Stop, Father! Do not come near him!"
The king ignored his son. The prince started to rise, but Legolas laid a hand on his arm.
"Fal, don't. Hold you peace."
"It's too late for that, Legolas." At once, Mithfalas was up and ready to fight his own father.
In mere seconds, the scruple was over. Thranduil's face was barely an inch from his son's. He pressed the boy against the wall. "I will not have you interfere with my business."
Calmly, his son responded. "As his brother, and my promise to our mother, it is my duty to protect him, and if I have to protect him from his own father, then so be it."
Thranduil faltered. He would not hit his oldest, for the boy would fight back. However, his thought caused him hesitation. Why was he harming his own children? Especially Legolas, who had never done anything wrong in his life, except show up late to dinner every so often?
"I know that she's gone. We're all having a hard time with it. That is no reason to take it out on him! Do not make him carry your sorrow as well as his own."
Thranduil could think of nothing to say. He released his son. "You may stay, but he must be in this room when I return, and you will not breathe a word of this to anyone."
He turned and fled the room.
Mithfalas dropped to his brother's side, holding his chin, looking at his wounds. "Why do you never fight back, Legolas?"
"He's my father. I am not going to fight him."
Putting an arm behind Legolas' back to help him up, he muttered, "I just wish Father had that much honor in him."
"But he does, Fal!"
"Legolas, don't. Do not do this, I do not want to hear you defend him. He would have killed you if I hadn't come in." ~
~*~*~*~*~*~End Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~
"Well, the hour is late. We shall talk of business in the morning. Thank you for your hospitality."
The five people at the table rose, and nodded to each other. The men exited. The silence only lasted a minute.
"He didn't commit treason, Father."
"I don't want to hear this again, Legolas. He defied me, and any servant of mine that acts as such would have been punished. Why is he any different?"
"May I be excused?"
"Leave."
Legolas closed the door behind him, and turned to go to his room.
"Legolas?"
The prince shivered slightly, a reaction that was so often overlooked by Aragorn, but not overlooked by the man in front of him. He smiled a little.
"You seem upset, young prince." He put a hand on Legolas' shoulder, and the prince had to fight not to pull away. "My name is Merithol. I am the leader of my people."
Still the prince said nothing.
"I do hope our plans turn out well."
"What are your plans?"
"Why, to," the man paused, as if doing some quick thinking. "To alley with Mirkwood."
"Is that truly your intention?"
A sinister smile grew on the man's face. "Of course."
Legolas had imagined the smile. Of course he had. He didn't trust men; he would expect the worst of them. "If you'll excuse me, I wish to retire for the night."
"Of course." There was that damned imagined smile again. Legolas' unease grew. "However, I am awfully curious about your brother. You seem to have a different story than your father."
"It is not your place to question my father. You are his guest, nothing more. You would do well to remember that."
"I am appalled at this treatment. What would your father say if he knew?"
"He would trust the reasoning of his own son."
The man actually laughed. "Only because you have the need to please him."
Legolas' eyes narrowed slightly. "And what would you know of it?"
"Your eyes betray you."
"Where did you say you from again?"
"Oh, I am terribly sorry. You wanted to get rest. Forgive me for my impudence." He turned on his heel and left the prince alone. He sighed.
"Why must it always be me?" He muttered aloud to himself. He turned to his room, but stopped after a pace and headed for Aragorn's.
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Aragorn jumped at the light knocking. He half wanted to ask 'Who is it,' but the rudeness of the question stopped him. What it Legolas' father was the one knocking? How awfully rude it would be to ask that question, as if he would consider giving the elf permission to enter. Imagine, telling an elf lord he had permission to speak to you? 'Come in,' was the next phrase that came to mind. That too would be an awful thing to do. Was the king not good enough to have a door opened for him?
By now, another knock came. Aragorn abandoned his thoughts, getting up to open the door.
"Legolas!"
"Did I wake you?" The prince asked softly.
"No, I thought you were your father."
Legolas raised a bemused eyebrow. "So you were just, not going to let him in?"
Aragorn cringed. "I. no, I was going to. but, deciding on how was another story completely."
Legolas shook his head. "Did Minastir treat you well?"
"Indeed. You would have thought I was royalty."
"You are, Strider."
Aragorn rolled his eyes. "They don't know that."
"I know. All of our guests are treated as such." He thought of how rude he was to the man in the hallway. oh, what was his name? If the man really did tell Thranduil, Legolas would be in a heap of trouble. What was he to do though? It was either be rude, or deny his father's words of Mithfalas.
"Legolas? Are you all right?"
The elf nodded once. "I may be in for a rough morning, though." He paused. "Come to breakfast with me. I need your opinion on the men that are here."
Aragorn said nothing, but regarded his friend with curious eyes.
"There are three of them, but I do not trust them."
Aragorn nodded, with a knowing look.
"I know, I know. I don't trust anyone. That is why I need your opinion."
"All right, I'll come." Was now the time to ask? Elrond had told him that Legolas would recount his story when he was ready, but it had been eight years, and Aragorn was growing ever more curious, the closer he became to his friend. "Are you ready to talk to me?"
Legolas sighed, casting his eyes downward. "No, not just yet."
"Okay. I have something to tell you, though."
Legolas lifted his eyes. "Yes?"
"When I said that Arwen never mentioned you. well. it's not true. I've never actually met her. I just really didn't like you at the time, even after we had that truce, you know, and-"
"It's all right. I understand."
"I'm sorry."
"There is nothing to be sorry for."
"Haven't I heard that before?"
"Hey, you'll owe me one of those someday."
Aragorn chuckled. "I'll remember that."
"I'm going now. I must get rest before dealing with my father again. Sleep well, human. Tomorrow shall be a long day."
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Reviewers:
Elizabeth Black: Lol, okay. Will do.
F h c: That's cool, I like the name. Lol, and thanks!
Angel With No Wings: Haha, little duckies. That's cute, I can just see it. Rivendell, beware! Mmm, yeah, he's breathtaking anytime, but especially when he's angry, (at least in my fanfiction.) And no, Mithfalas has not appeared in any story yet. Thanks!
Brooklyn: Thank you! ! !
Halandleg4ever: Lol, wow, I am SO surprised! (Sorry, couldn't resist.)
Moro the Wolf God: I'm trying! I promise, I'm going as quick as I can!
Bec: Haha, very funny. Actually, the sad part is, it's true. Where are my cliffies? Three chapters in and I still don't have one. (Hey, the last one was a cliffie every chapter, I felt bad.) Haha, yes, the rest of the story will definitely make up for it, mwahahaha! You're supposed to be confused about Mithfalas. He's a new character, and we'll be learning a LOT about him pretty soon. Well, a lot more, this chapter wasn't the end of it, And yes, you were right! Good job! Nope, makes perfect sense. Are you kidding? I love your reviews! PS. What happened to Sara?
Gwyn: No, it happens. Well, it did in The Mummy, lol, and of course THAT'S real. No, if you knew everything it'd be NO fun. Lol, thanks!
Lulu Bell: Ah, you need to make it back and play. I'd cry if I couldn't play in a v-ball game. Last year, I sprained my ankle right before our biggest game. Ah, I was so mad. Anyway, lol. Yeah, I like saying weird things. It keeps people on their toes. People just stare at me sometimes and you know they're wondering what I'm thinking. Anyway, lol, thanks for the review! Yes, as you can see, or have hopefully figured out, Mithfalas is his brother. Lol, the Christmas thing sounds cool. What all did you do?
Sky: Yup, one of THOSE people. I know, bizarre, two chapters in and there's no clear plotline yet. Third chapter in and there's only a vague sense of one. I'm changing, sheesh, lol. Hey, was it you that asked for the flashback a couple stories ago? I can't be positive, but I think it was you. Anyway, there are a bunch of f/b's in this one! If it wasn't you, you can just ignore that, lol.
Lomiothiel: Mithfalas, the elf they are talking about, is, well, you saw. And you'll see why he has such an influence on Leggy too. Just keep reading. I don't purposefully try to confuse you guys. Arwen and Legolas broke up because A. I couldn't break canon by not having Aragorn and Arwen get together, and B. They decided they were better off as friends and a marriage would just destroy their relationship. Sorry if that was confusing! Thanks!
Deana: Hey, a suffering Legolas is always good! Can't go wrong there, lol! Yeah, they'll be a ton of angst in this one. The last three were baby stuff compared to this. ::evil smile::
Das Blume: And you know, I hadn't actually planned it that way, it just ended up being longer, lol. And jeez, was this long enough for you? Dude, it's 11 pages in Word. Holy monkeys, in compensation for what I dunno, but your review was really long! Wow! Yay! Haha, can't you just see Elrond reading book five? "What? They can't kill him! He was my favorite!" Lol. I was wondering, what would a fantasy story in ME be like? Would it be like, set in modern day New York, or something? Ah, mind boggling. Haha. "I'll watch from a distance and make sure no sharp objects come near you and no one chokes on a crayon or anything else." Nope, you've never read about Mithfalas before. We'll be learning a lot more of him, as we learn about Leggy's past. Mithfalas has a lot to do with Leggy's past. (As you just read. Sorry, I have a habit of replying BEFORE I type in the chapter, so I'm never quite sure what I will be covering, lol.) Uhm, you're half right. He WAS a very close person in Leggy's family. I never expect anyone to read my replies to other reviewers. I'm always surprised when they do. Thanks for that really long review! I loved it! Ah, I love when people start guessing about what's gonna happen, or who so and so is. . . ::big smiles:: Thanks for the luck, and yay for you! ! No classes! Lucky.
Bill the Pony: Ah, thanks! I appreciate that!
Luthien: No worries, I've been reading it! I've been leaving reviews too, lol.
Nikki: Yup, he's governor. Ha, don't worry, I haven't introduced Mithfalas before this. He's supposed to be confusing. (Well, hopefully a little less after this story.) Thanks!
SPEoD: Lol, it's okay. No sugar! Lol, seriously, there is no way I'm gonna quit riding, you can get every doctor in the world to tell me I should and I wouldn't care. Lol, it was hard trying to write Legolas and Elrond fighting, because Legolas sees Elrond as a superior and wouldn't want to get in too much trouble if his father ever found out. Have fun at the show!
Fire Eagle: Lol, ah, thanks!
Leggylover: Lol, no worries, Aragorn will get his fair share of hurts in this!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~
Elrond sat in his large chair, facing the entryway to his home. He heard merry voices coming ever nearer. He casually glanced out the window to find that the moon had long passed from his vision.
The door was thrown open and Legolas and Aragorn stumbled in, both caked in mud, and seemingly wet.
"The hour is late."
The sentence was spoken very softly, but it sobered both friends immediately. Legolas remained quiet, but Aragorn began finding excuses. "I'm sorry, Father. We lost track of time-"
"The fading of the sun did not alert you then?"
"And then my horse began spooking madly-"
"Spooking at what, may I ask?"
"So Legolas and I were trying to calm her down, and then Legolas' horse began spooking," he looked sideways as his friend looked at him with disdain.
His father had apparently caught the error in the statement as well. "Legolas, you have suddenly found yourself without the ability to read your horse?"
"No, sir, but I was so preoccupied with Strider's horse, that Elentari was neglected. It was only because of your son's lack of capability." Legolas could not resist the barb towards his friend.
"And all of this took how long?"
"Well, not long at all, actually. But just as we were remounting, a soldier came walking towards us, and proclaiming that he was. . ." Aragorn was searching for something to say. "Mandos!"
Legolas winced.
The man continued. "Clearly he was off his beam."
Elrond tried to hide his smile. "Clearly."
"And he blocked our path, so, we had to convince him that he was indeed not one of the Valar. Then, he remembered who he really was. Just like that! However, he was lost, so we had to show him the way to where he was going-"
"And where was he going, Estel?"
The human looked to Legolas for help, but the elf had his head in his hand, and was trying desperately not to laugh.
"Uhm. . . oh! Tarduian's kingdom."
"You went out that far?"
"Well I had to show Legolas the cave."
"And what did you think of it, Legolas?"
The elf lifted his head. Elrond couldn't possibly be falling for this, could he? "It was rather fascinating."
"What was fascinating about it?"
"Well, it. . ." He glanced behind the elf lord's chair, in the doorway, where Elrohir had appeared. He was making motions with his hands. ". . . had marvelous stalagmites."
Elrond nodded. "Estel, go to bed. I will deal with you in the morning."
The young man sighed, then looked at Legolas and shrugged. "I tried. I'll see you in the morning."
Once Aragorn had gone, Elrond spoke again. "Elrohir, go to bed." The elf behind him straightened up, obviously unaware to that point that his father knew of his presence. "Legolas, why were you so late in?"
"My lord, if you must know, we had a run in with orcs. We didn't go searching for them, mind you. They found us."
"They usually do, don't they? You need to return home."
"What? My lord, I only just arrived. If did something to offend you, truly I am sorry-"
Elrond sighed. "You did nothing, Legolas. I know you just arrived, but a messenger from your father arrived today. You are needed back in Mirkwood."
Legolas sat back, defeated. "There was a time when I looked forward to going home."
He ignored the comment. "I think he only requires your presence for an ambassador that is there. If it would make the time more bearable, take Estel with you."
Legolas raised an eyebrow. "You would allow that?"
Elrond nodded. "I trust you to protect him. I trust your father not to lose his temper with my child."
"No, he only does that with his own children."
Elrond shook his head sadly. "Has he done anything since Mithfalas left?"
"No, my lord."
"Legolas, look me in the eyes and tell me no."
The elf looked up, but was silent for a minute. Finally, he said, "No, my lord. But there is always the threat hanging in the air. It's as if he dares me to cross him, or to even mention Mithfalas."
"Or to cry?"
"That is not befitting of a warrior, my lord."
"Stay the night, Legolas. You can leave in the morning. Now please, go rest."
Legolas rose and turned towards the door, but Elrond made him stop in his tracks.
"Perhaps one day you will get to see that cave."
Legolas laughed. "Perhaps, my lord. Again I thank you for your hospitality."
"You are always welcome under this roof, Legolas. Always, not matter the circumstance."
Legolas nodded, then retreated to his room.
'One day,' Elrond thought to himself, 'that boy will get himself into more trouble than he can ever imagine. He will truly follow his brother's path.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~
Aragorn looked at his friend, who was staring off into the distance. His mind was somewhere else, somewhere past the corruption of this world.
"What are you thinking about, Legolas?"
The voice drew Legolas back to reality very slowly. He paused before responding. "I'm not sure. How very little I like snow. How much I am dreading returning to my father so soon. How much I enjoy your company."
Aragorn smiled. "I'm surprised your horse isn't walking on top of this snow."
The elf laughed lightly. "No, Strider. Only elves can do that, not our horses. Though, it would make this journey far easier."
"No it wouldn't."
Legolas looked at his human companion. "What did you say?"
"You would find some other reason to travel slowly."
Legolas sighed, returning his gaze to the horizon. "I suppose."
"I have to tell you, I'm really excited about meeting your father."
Legolas laughed. "Now who's being sarcastic?"
A while later, after a very long journey due to bad weather, Legolas looked up. "Well, here we are. My father's halls."
Aragorn looked up. "You live in a cave?"
Legolas said defensively, "It is not a cave! Far from it my friend, our halls are not those of the dwarves."
"Sorry," the man mumbled, not noticing the difference. It did look remarkably like a cave.
Before Legolas could say the magic word, the gates were flung open. "Hurry, Legolas! Your father is in a frenzy!"
"Thank you, Minastir. Would you take our horses to the stables, and show Strider here where he will be staying?"
"Of course, my lord. Strider, is it?"
The man nodded absently, watching Legolas rush to his destination.
"Follow me, please."
Aragorn took one last glance at his friend, then followed the other elf in a different direction.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~
Legolas took a deep breath of composure before stepping into his father's study.
"Legolas! Where have you been? The ambassador is arriving tonight, within the hour. What took you so long?"
"Father, please, calm down. I returned home as quickly as the weather would allow."
In a rare moment of peace, Thranduil looked Legolas in the eye. "I was worried."
"I am sorry, Father."
"Please, go get dressed. Your nicest attire. This is important."
"I understand, Father. So that you know, Strider of Elrond's house has accompanied me here."
"The human?" There was a hint of distaste in the elf's voice.
"Only by race, Father, not by mannerism."
The king raised a think eyebrow at his son.
"Of all people, father, you can trust me on the behaviors of men."
Thranduil said nothing, but nodded at his son to hurry. The prince bowed, then retreated to his chambers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~
Legolas searched through his drawers with lightning speed. 'My nicest attire. . . where is it?' He was looking for his silver tunic, but it was nowhere to be found. He finally settled on a rich green one, and quickly threw it over his head.
"Ah," he said out loud. "I left it in Rivendell. Since the last time I saw Arwen."
There was an abrupt knock at the door. "Yes?"
"My lord," it was Minastir's voice. "The guests are here. Your father is leading them into the Great Hall and has requested that you be there before he arrives."
Legolas groaned. He gave the elf no response, but pushed his door open and sprinted down the staircase. He navigated his way through the halls, just barely avoiding the walls. He could have done it with his eyes closed, he had run through these halls so many times.
It was a game when he was little. He would wait as long as possibly to appear at dinner. He wanted to see just how far he could push his father. . . but that had been when his mother was alive.
~*~*~*~*~*~Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~
~He skidded to a halt just outside the doors to the dining hall, then entered with a great amount of dignity for one of his age. All eyes turned to him.
'Oh no,' he thought, 'I'm a bit too late.'
He glanced at the head table. The seat next to his father remained empty. It gave Legolas hope that maybe his mother would return, though it had been so long and he knew that dream was folly. He was, in a human's terms, the equivalent of 16; he should not hold on to such childish dreams. He caught his father's glare. There was dangerous anger behind the royal eyes.
Mithfalas too had seen that mad look, and was trying fruitlessly to stifle his laughter because of it.~
~*~*~*~*~*~End Flashback~*~*~*~*~*
Legolas shivered at the memory. The doors were just in sight. He could hear his father's voice, and could just see him turning the corner opposite of Legolas. He caught his son's eyes, and smiled. 'Go,' he mouthed.
Legolas almost laughed, dodging into the dining hall just before the guests could see him.
Thranduil and his guests entered only seconds after the prince, who was now siting neatly at the table. He rose gracefully as three men entered the room behind his father.
"Haron, Merithol, Dinivul, this is my son, Legolas, the crown prince of Mirkwood."
Legolas bowed in respect. "My lords."
"Please," Thranduil said, "be seated."
Legolas sat back down, remaining on his father's right.
One of the men leaned towards the head of the table. "I was under the impression you had more children."
Thranduil shot a warning glare at Legolas, then responded to his guest. "Nay, Legolas is my only child."
The prince would not meet his father's eyes. True, Mithfalas had gone against his father's word, but it was not the act of treason Thranduil had passed it off as. A pang of guilt stabbed at him. It never would have happened it hadn't been for him.
~*~*~*~*~*~Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~
~ "You will never, I repeat, never be late to dinner again, am I understood?"
Legolas nodded at his father's booming voice. He was trembling, waiting for his father's next strike of anger. Already the king had brought blood to Legolas' face, but he was angry and there was no reasoning with him now.
He shoved Legolas against the wall. The prince stifled a grunt of pain.
"What were you thinking?" His son said nothing. "ANSWER ME!"
"Are you so threatened by me that you have to resort to this?" His brashness was rewarded with a blow to his stomach the brought him to his knees. He fell forward, using one hand to brace himself. The king prepared himself for another strike, but Legolas fell back against the wall, halfway to unconsciousness.
The door flung open. Both heads turned to see who was there.
"Legolas?" The crown prince of Mirkwood started forward, seeing his brother so badly beaten.
"Mithfalas, this does not concern you, leave now!"
The prince looked at his father, as if noticing him for the first time.~
~*~*~*~*~*~End Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~
"Are you sure, Thranduil? I would have bet money that you had at least one more son."
The king sighed. "I did, once."
'Men,' Legolas thought, 'do not know when to quit.' He sighed. 'Nor do children.'
"What happened to him then? Dead, is he?"
"Dead only to his people."
"I don't understand, my lord."
Thranduil was quiet. Legolas looked at the man who was pressing his father for questions. An unnatural shiver ran down his spine; there was something about the man he didn't like.
'No,' he told himself. 'There is something about every man that you don't like. Even Aragorn.' He sighed as he admitted the last statement to himself.
"My lord?"
Legolas had not realized it, but his father had remained quiet.
"It was an act of treason that he was exiled for. It is not something I wish to discuss further."
~*~*~*~*~*~Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~
~ "Mithfalas! I said, stay back!" The king roared.
"Heca, Ada," the crown prince was so full of rage that he could only speak in his native tongue. He pushed past his father and knelt by Legolas. Thranduil started forward.
"Stop, Father! Do not come near him!"
The king ignored his son. The prince started to rise, but Legolas laid a hand on his arm.
"Fal, don't. Hold you peace."
"It's too late for that, Legolas." At once, Mithfalas was up and ready to fight his own father.
In mere seconds, the scruple was over. Thranduil's face was barely an inch from his son's. He pressed the boy against the wall. "I will not have you interfere with my business."
Calmly, his son responded. "As his brother, and my promise to our mother, it is my duty to protect him, and if I have to protect him from his own father, then so be it."
Thranduil faltered. He would not hit his oldest, for the boy would fight back. However, his thought caused him hesitation. Why was he harming his own children? Especially Legolas, who had never done anything wrong in his life, except show up late to dinner every so often?
"I know that she's gone. We're all having a hard time with it. That is no reason to take it out on him! Do not make him carry your sorrow as well as his own."
Thranduil could think of nothing to say. He released his son. "You may stay, but he must be in this room when I return, and you will not breathe a word of this to anyone."
He turned and fled the room.
Mithfalas dropped to his brother's side, holding his chin, looking at his wounds. "Why do you never fight back, Legolas?"
"He's my father. I am not going to fight him."
Putting an arm behind Legolas' back to help him up, he muttered, "I just wish Father had that much honor in him."
"But he does, Fal!"
"Legolas, don't. Do not do this, I do not want to hear you defend him. He would have killed you if I hadn't come in." ~
~*~*~*~*~*~End Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~
"Well, the hour is late. We shall talk of business in the morning. Thank you for your hospitality."
The five people at the table rose, and nodded to each other. The men exited. The silence only lasted a minute.
"He didn't commit treason, Father."
"I don't want to hear this again, Legolas. He defied me, and any servant of mine that acts as such would have been punished. Why is he any different?"
"May I be excused?"
"Leave."
Legolas closed the door behind him, and turned to go to his room.
"Legolas?"
The prince shivered slightly, a reaction that was so often overlooked by Aragorn, but not overlooked by the man in front of him. He smiled a little.
"You seem upset, young prince." He put a hand on Legolas' shoulder, and the prince had to fight not to pull away. "My name is Merithol. I am the leader of my people."
Still the prince said nothing.
"I do hope our plans turn out well."
"What are your plans?"
"Why, to," the man paused, as if doing some quick thinking. "To alley with Mirkwood."
"Is that truly your intention?"
A sinister smile grew on the man's face. "Of course."
Legolas had imagined the smile. Of course he had. He didn't trust men; he would expect the worst of them. "If you'll excuse me, I wish to retire for the night."
"Of course." There was that damned imagined smile again. Legolas' unease grew. "However, I am awfully curious about your brother. You seem to have a different story than your father."
"It is not your place to question my father. You are his guest, nothing more. You would do well to remember that."
"I am appalled at this treatment. What would your father say if he knew?"
"He would trust the reasoning of his own son."
The man actually laughed. "Only because you have the need to please him."
Legolas' eyes narrowed slightly. "And what would you know of it?"
"Your eyes betray you."
"Where did you say you from again?"
"Oh, I am terribly sorry. You wanted to get rest. Forgive me for my impudence." He turned on his heel and left the prince alone. He sighed.
"Why must it always be me?" He muttered aloud to himself. He turned to his room, but stopped after a pace and headed for Aragorn's.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~
Aragorn jumped at the light knocking. He half wanted to ask 'Who is it,' but the rudeness of the question stopped him. What it Legolas' father was the one knocking? How awfully rude it would be to ask that question, as if he would consider giving the elf permission to enter. Imagine, telling an elf lord he had permission to speak to you? 'Come in,' was the next phrase that came to mind. That too would be an awful thing to do. Was the king not good enough to have a door opened for him?
By now, another knock came. Aragorn abandoned his thoughts, getting up to open the door.
"Legolas!"
"Did I wake you?" The prince asked softly.
"No, I thought you were your father."
Legolas raised a bemused eyebrow. "So you were just, not going to let him in?"
Aragorn cringed. "I. no, I was going to. but, deciding on how was another story completely."
Legolas shook his head. "Did Minastir treat you well?"
"Indeed. You would have thought I was royalty."
"You are, Strider."
Aragorn rolled his eyes. "They don't know that."
"I know. All of our guests are treated as such." He thought of how rude he was to the man in the hallway. oh, what was his name? If the man really did tell Thranduil, Legolas would be in a heap of trouble. What was he to do though? It was either be rude, or deny his father's words of Mithfalas.
"Legolas? Are you all right?"
The elf nodded once. "I may be in for a rough morning, though." He paused. "Come to breakfast with me. I need your opinion on the men that are here."
Aragorn said nothing, but regarded his friend with curious eyes.
"There are three of them, but I do not trust them."
Aragorn nodded, with a knowing look.
"I know, I know. I don't trust anyone. That is why I need your opinion."
"All right, I'll come." Was now the time to ask? Elrond had told him that Legolas would recount his story when he was ready, but it had been eight years, and Aragorn was growing ever more curious, the closer he became to his friend. "Are you ready to talk to me?"
Legolas sighed, casting his eyes downward. "No, not just yet."
"Okay. I have something to tell you, though."
Legolas lifted his eyes. "Yes?"
"When I said that Arwen never mentioned you. well. it's not true. I've never actually met her. I just really didn't like you at the time, even after we had that truce, you know, and-"
"It's all right. I understand."
"I'm sorry."
"There is nothing to be sorry for."
"Haven't I heard that before?"
"Hey, you'll owe me one of those someday."
Aragorn chuckled. "I'll remember that."
"I'm going now. I must get rest before dealing with my father again. Sleep well, human. Tomorrow shall be a long day."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~
Reviewers:
Elizabeth Black: Lol, okay. Will do.
F h c: That's cool, I like the name. Lol, and thanks!
Angel With No Wings: Haha, little duckies. That's cute, I can just see it. Rivendell, beware! Mmm, yeah, he's breathtaking anytime, but especially when he's angry, (at least in my fanfiction.) And no, Mithfalas has not appeared in any story yet. Thanks!
Brooklyn: Thank you! ! !
Halandleg4ever: Lol, wow, I am SO surprised! (Sorry, couldn't resist.)
Moro the Wolf God: I'm trying! I promise, I'm going as quick as I can!
Bec: Haha, very funny. Actually, the sad part is, it's true. Where are my cliffies? Three chapters in and I still don't have one. (Hey, the last one was a cliffie every chapter, I felt bad.) Haha, yes, the rest of the story will definitely make up for it, mwahahaha! You're supposed to be confused about Mithfalas. He's a new character, and we'll be learning a LOT about him pretty soon. Well, a lot more, this chapter wasn't the end of it, And yes, you were right! Good job! Nope, makes perfect sense. Are you kidding? I love your reviews! PS. What happened to Sara?
Gwyn: No, it happens. Well, it did in The Mummy, lol, and of course THAT'S real. No, if you knew everything it'd be NO fun. Lol, thanks!
Lulu Bell: Ah, you need to make it back and play. I'd cry if I couldn't play in a v-ball game. Last year, I sprained my ankle right before our biggest game. Ah, I was so mad. Anyway, lol. Yeah, I like saying weird things. It keeps people on their toes. People just stare at me sometimes and you know they're wondering what I'm thinking. Anyway, lol, thanks for the review! Yes, as you can see, or have hopefully figured out, Mithfalas is his brother. Lol, the Christmas thing sounds cool. What all did you do?
Sky: Yup, one of THOSE people. I know, bizarre, two chapters in and there's no clear plotline yet. Third chapter in and there's only a vague sense of one. I'm changing, sheesh, lol. Hey, was it you that asked for the flashback a couple stories ago? I can't be positive, but I think it was you. Anyway, there are a bunch of f/b's in this one! If it wasn't you, you can just ignore that, lol.
Lomiothiel: Mithfalas, the elf they are talking about, is, well, you saw. And you'll see why he has such an influence on Leggy too. Just keep reading. I don't purposefully try to confuse you guys. Arwen and Legolas broke up because A. I couldn't break canon by not having Aragorn and Arwen get together, and B. They decided they were better off as friends and a marriage would just destroy their relationship. Sorry if that was confusing! Thanks!
Deana: Hey, a suffering Legolas is always good! Can't go wrong there, lol! Yeah, they'll be a ton of angst in this one. The last three were baby stuff compared to this. ::evil smile::
Das Blume: And you know, I hadn't actually planned it that way, it just ended up being longer, lol. And jeez, was this long enough for you? Dude, it's 11 pages in Word. Holy monkeys, in compensation for what I dunno, but your review was really long! Wow! Yay! Haha, can't you just see Elrond reading book five? "What? They can't kill him! He was my favorite!" Lol. I was wondering, what would a fantasy story in ME be like? Would it be like, set in modern day New York, or something? Ah, mind boggling. Haha. "I'll watch from a distance and make sure no sharp objects come near you and no one chokes on a crayon or anything else." Nope, you've never read about Mithfalas before. We'll be learning a lot more of him, as we learn about Leggy's past. Mithfalas has a lot to do with Leggy's past. (As you just read. Sorry, I have a habit of replying BEFORE I type in the chapter, so I'm never quite sure what I will be covering, lol.) Uhm, you're half right. He WAS a very close person in Leggy's family. I never expect anyone to read my replies to other reviewers. I'm always surprised when they do. Thanks for that really long review! I loved it! Ah, I love when people start guessing about what's gonna happen, or who so and so is. . . ::big smiles:: Thanks for the luck, and yay for you! ! No classes! Lucky.
Bill the Pony: Ah, thanks! I appreciate that!
Luthien: No worries, I've been reading it! I've been leaving reviews too, lol.
Nikki: Yup, he's governor. Ha, don't worry, I haven't introduced Mithfalas before this. He's supposed to be confusing. (Well, hopefully a little less after this story.) Thanks!
SPEoD: Lol, it's okay. No sugar! Lol, seriously, there is no way I'm gonna quit riding, you can get every doctor in the world to tell me I should and I wouldn't care. Lol, it was hard trying to write Legolas and Elrond fighting, because Legolas sees Elrond as a superior and wouldn't want to get in too much trouble if his father ever found out. Have fun at the show!
Fire Eagle: Lol, ah, thanks!
Leggylover: Lol, no worries, Aragorn will get his fair share of hurts in this!