Authors Note: Hi everyone thank you again and again for your wonderful reviews. They are always helpful and encouraging. Oh and to reviewers goldmund and SireenC it won't be long before you find out what Lysander's up to (grin) Thanks again!

Chapter Six (This chapter begins halfway through the previous chapter)

Aragorn raced his sable brown steed with as much energy and strength as he could gather in the direction of his home.

He was covered from head to toe in a mixture of dirt and orc blood as well as a little of his own. He was damp with sweat which made for a most uncomfortable feeling and of course was completely exhausted running on adrenalin alone, but he refused to stop and rest. His brothers and what was left of their patrols following closely behind him. The whole operation had been a complete failure. They had been ill prepared for what turned out to be the largest gathering of orc's he had ever come across.

Entering the gates of Imladris at full speed, he sped passed council members and stable hands alike, refusing to come to a halt until he reached the doors at the far end of the palace which led directly to his fathers study.

Directing his horse into a sudden stop, he dismounted quickly, pushed his way through large wooden doors and raced down the corridor.

"Estel." Elladan called out from behind. "Calm yourself before you speak with father, you will be no good to anyone if you are two tense to express yourself properly."

He sighed and slowed his pace allowing his brothers to catch up with him. He glanced at the elves one either side of him both of their expressions were firm, although a tight smile had settled on Elrohir's face. Estel sighed again attempting to centre himself as they reached the study door.

With out knocking Estel opened the door and walked straight into the room.

"Estel!" Elrond started, glancing up from his desk. "Elladan, Elrohir, when did you return?"

"Mere moments ago father." Elladan said before Estel could answer, he was still unsure of his young foster brother's temperament.

"I take it that not all went well." The Lord surmised from the concerned features on the faces of his sons.

"We severely underestimated their numbers father." Elrohir said slipping further into the room and seating himself near to his father. He was exhausted, and lifted his legs to rest his muddy boots up on the wooden desk.

"How many?" Elrond asked leaning forward in his chair to push his son's feet off of the newly polished table and brush away the specks of dirt that had fallen on to his books.

"We could not get close enough to even hazard a guess; we battled many but as soon as they fell three more appeared in their place. We had no choice but to retreat." Estel hung his head as he spoke it was rare for elves to fall back from battle, many would rather fight to their deaths than return in failure.

"How many were lost?"

"Twelve." Estel muttered.

"Do not find yourself at fault Estel" Elrond sighed standing up and walking over to his human son. "There is no one to blame but the dark Lord himself, you made the right decision to withdraw otherwise many more may have been lost."

Estel ignored him and walked out on to the balcony. Looking out across the gardens he tried to clear his mind of the horrors he had witnessed. He noticed Legolas walking across the garden towards them although the blond had obviously not noticed that he was being watched. He really was beautiful Estel sighed inwardly.

"He has been eagerly awaiting your return." Elrond spoke, standing directly behind him and staring down at the blond elf over his shoulder. "He has been very quiet since your departure."

Estel was stunned, he had not realised that his father knew, he turned to glare at the twins but then stopped himself, and he knew well that there was no point in trying to hide anything from the Lord of Imladris. It was a strange gift that his foster father seemed to possess. He didn't know anyone that could keep anything hidden from the elven Lord for long.

"I have missed him as well." Estel finally admitted, leaning heavily on the safety barrier, watching as Legolas walked over to his horse, gently stroking its nose. "It's almost frightening."

"Why?" Elrond asked his voice expressing his genuine confusion.

"Father I have barely known him for more than a few days how can my feelings for him be this strong already?" He sighed.

Elrond smiled.

"You are a good match for him as he is for you." He said simply. "Now go to him." His father all but whispered to him. "I will speak further with your brothers and consult with you at evening meal." The Lord gently took his sons arm and led him away from the balcony and towards the study door. "Legolas is a good choice for you my son, treat him well."

And with a gentle nudge from his father out of the room the door closed softly behind him.

Estel grinned silently thanking his foster father, before once again racing off down the corridor.

~*~

Legolas whispered to the horse in elvish as it nuzzled his hand and whinnied softly in response.

The horse was obviously uncomfortable and in need of a great deal of rest. He slowly, so as not to startle the horse, reached back and began to unfasten the leather straps that attached the saddle. The animal neighed its appreciation as finally the cloth and leather constraint was removed.

"That's alright my friend." Legolas smiled, moving to place the saddle on the ground. As he turned back to the horse the doors to the palace flew open revealing a very tired but smiling Estel. His usually clean clothes were covered in what looked like blood thankfully to dark to be the mans own Legolas mused.

"You are hurt!" Legolas stepped forward gently moving his fingers over a small cut upon Estel's forehead.

"It is nothing." He brushed off the comment. "It is merely a scratch but I see that I find you well and that you have been kind enough to care for my horse." He walked closer to them.

"Well I could not ignore a creature in so much distress." Legolas grinned.

"Distress?" Estel questioned his expression portraying his concern for the creature, reaching out to run his hand down across the animals back.

"I exaggerate Estel; he was merely uncomfortable after such a long ride." Legolas smiled tenderly. "Was your trip successful?" he queried.

"No, but I do not wish to speak of it right now." His voice wasn't sharp just dismissive.

"Then what do you wish."

"For you to help me forget the terrors that I have seen." Reaching out Estel attempted to pull Legolas into an embrace, but was stunned when the elf yelped and pulled back.

"What is it? What's wrong?"

"You can not expect anything from me until you have bathed." Legolas laughed as Estel pouted. Moving back closer to Estel, Legolas brushed some lose dirt from the mans nose before leaning in to place a soft chaste kiss on its tip.

"That's all you are going to get until you have washed away the mud and the smell." The blond laughed, turning back to the horse and leading it away towards the stables. Looking back over his shoulder at the human he smirked. "Find me in my rooms when you have finished cleaning up."

~*~

Tbc.