Chapter 24

"What are we going to do now, Adar? We can't keep going on like this. We're wasting enough time as it is," Elrohir said as he looked towards his father.

Elrond sighed. He knew they're wasting time here but he didn't know what else to do. He'd rather keep quiet and think of a solution rather than scaring the younger elves by telling them he had no idea whatsoever in dealing with the forest.

"We shall rest here for the time being while I think of a way," Elrond said as he mount from his horse.

The others did the same and Elrohir had gotten the fire started. All sat down and tried to help by discussing and thinking of a way to get to Mirkwood.

Elladan was quiet. He stared at the sky. It was already dark and the sky was full of stars that night.

'Legolas would've loved this sight. He was always in tuned with the nature, I bet he would love the stars,' Elladan thought to himself.

That brought a smile to his face. The thoughts of Legolas helped lifted his spirits.

He remembered how he shy Legolas was when he just known him. How gorgeous he looked when they went to the welcoming feast of his father. How well they dance together. How serene he looked when he slept.

And he definitely remembered how Legolas cried for him when he tricked Legolas into believing he was dead. He knew Legolas loved him. He had said so many times. Even his actions spoke for him.

But he himself had to go and destroyed everything he had with Legolas. His smile faltered. He wished he could forget but he remembered very clearly how disappointed Legolas looked when he learnt of the bet. How hurt Legolas had been. And how cold his voice had sound when talking to him.

Now he had lost Legolas. Maybe even forever if they do not reach Mirkwood in time. He did not know why for his father would not tell him so. But deep in his heart he knew his father did not exaggerate.

'What if Legolas is already dead? What if we cannot reach him in time?' he shuddered at that thought.

Then all he have left of his lover would be the memories of their moments together. And the ring that Legolas had given him.

'Wait a moment,' he thought. Suddenly he remembered the significance of Legolas' ring. And he remembered what Legolas had said to him. 'Remember Elladan, if there comes a day that you needed to find me, just call upon the magic of the forest and they will lead you to me.'

"The ring! Of course!" Elladan exclaimed happily.

The others looked at him, puzzled. Elladan explained," Legolas gave me his royal ring. He told me it was magical and if I need to find him, I may call upon the magic of the forest and they will lead me to him. So we'll just use the ring to find our way to Mirkwood!"

Elrond looked at him in disbelief," Legolas gave you his ring?" Elladan nodded.

Elrond sighed. Why didn't he thought of that earlier? He would've guessed that Legolas would give his ring to Elladan. If only he had thought of it sooner... But all's done now. At least now they have a chance to save Legolas.

"Where is the ring then? Come on now, Ell. Use it then," Haldir said impatiently for he was also eager to get to Mirkwood.

Instinctly Elladan reached to his neck but as he touch his bare skin, he realized he did not have the ring with him. He frowned and said," I don't have it. Halirien has it. She has the ring!"

All the others (except for Elrond) groaned. "Why didn't you get it back from her when you had the chance?" Arwen yelled.

"I was too stunned to do anything okay. I didn't even know I would need it. It's not like I planned for this to happen you know," Elladan snapped at her and immediately Arwen felt bad for her brother.

"There's nothing we can do about that now. We must make haste back to Lorien and get that ring. Come on now, let's go," Elrond said as he made to a move to his horse.

So they put off the fire and mounted on their horse and hurried away back to Lothlorien.

At Mirkwood...

Legolas stood at his balcony and stared at the sky. It was very beautiful as there were a lot of stars that night. As he thought of his better times with Elladan, he would never know that his lover was looking at the exact same star that he was now staring at. He would never know that Elladan was thinking of him under the same sky that night.

As he was thinking, there was a knock on his door. "Legolas!" His second eldest brother, Taelas, was calling to him to go for dinner.

"Yes, I am coming," Legolas said loudly to his brother behind the door. "Just give me a moment."

He stopped by his mirror and looked at his reflection. His face was tired and pale. His family would probably question him.

"Minatae Arani Linos," he chanted with his eyes closed. As he opened them again, he looked in the mirror and was satisfied with the result. 'This will have to do for now.'

"Legolas!" Taelas yelled yet again and pounded on the door.

Legolas walked quickly to the door and opened the door. As he stepped outside, he said," Geez, can't you just wait for a moment. It can't kill you, you know."

Taelas grinned and said," I know. I just want to annoy you. What took you so long anyway? Grooming your hair?"

Legolas frowned and said," Very funny. Since when are you a funny elf?"

"Since always," was the reply. "Come on now, grumpy. Everyone's seated at dinner," Taelas said again and together, they made way to the dining hall.

Legolas was very happy to se his family again. He loved each and every member of his family and they held a special place in his heart.

King Thranduil sat at the end of the table. To his right was Romion, Naramin and Kaimion. And to his left will have Legolas, Taelas and Haifirion.

Legolas took his seat and Taelas did the same.

"Overslept again, little leaf?" Naramin asked with a smile.

Before Legolas had a chance to say anything, Haifirion said," And you would think the camp would teach him a thing or two about tardiness."

Everyone laughed and Legolas made a face and stuck out his tongue to his brother.

"Tell us Legolas, how was everything in the camp? It was alright?" Kaimion asked.

"It was fine. We train and, we train," Legolas said as he shrugged.

"I see. Made any new friends while you were there?" King Thranduil asked as his sons galnced at him nervously.

"What do you think?" Legolas answered with a sad smile.

"I am truly sorry, Las. You know we were only concern about you," Taelas said as he gave Legolas a squeeze on his shoulder.

Legolas smiled and nodded," Yes, I know. Don't worry, I'm fine." A lie but they didn't have to know that.

Romion could sense something was amiss with his brother but he could not put a finger to it.

"Why didn't you return with the other trainees? We weren't expecting you for another few days," Romion asked.

He noticed that Legolas shifted uncomfortably but before he could point it out, Legolas broke into a grin and exclaimed," Because I missed you, that's why. And I couldn't wait for another moment to come home."

Everyone smiled at him. Then Taelas said," Let us all drink for the return of the brat!"

"Hey!" Legolas protested but he held his glass as well.

"All hail the brat!" everyone but Legolas chorused. Legolas laughed at them and took a sip of his wine.

Legolas was with his family and he was happy. At least his heart was lighter.

After the dinner...

"Well, Legolas, I believe you must be tired after your long journey. You should rest earlier this night," King Thranduil said.

"Aww... But Adar, I want to..." Legolas started to protest.

"Adar's right. No buts now, little one. We'll still be here tomorrow. There're still a lot of time before you go back to Lorien," Romion said with a smile.

'But I might not be here anymore,' he thought. But he only smile and nodded.

He went around to give each of his brother a good night hug. As he hugged his father, he whispered," I love you very much, Adar. I am so glad to be home again."

"I love you too, my angel," Thranduil whispered back to his son.

With that, Legolas made his way back to his room.

Halfway through the hall, he felt dizzy and a sharp pain jolted through his heart.

'Must be the wine,' he thought. But since when you get chest pain from drinking wine.

He leaned against the wall for support. He need to get to his room before anyone sees him like this.

His legs was heavy and the world in front of him would not stop spinning. Carefully he dragged his foot across the floor in order to get moving.

'Please not now. Please. I just got home. I need more time,' he thought in desperate.

His legs failed him and he crumpled to the floor.

'Elladan...' he thought as the darkness claimed him.

TBC...

Soooooooo..... review please?

To die or not to die? That is the question...

Well, in my case... To kill or not to kill? That is the question...

What do you think?

Yup, elvish is BS...