*stares dumbfounded at the reviews*

*blinks*

*stares again*

Wow. Just... wow. You guys are amazing. That... I... You... Wow. Thank you.

And for all those who wish to know, I post a new chapter every Sunday night. I know, that seems like a long time to wait, especially when you get other authors who post every other day. But that's just not a possibility with me. Sorry.

To my wonderful, and numerous, reviewers -

Templa Otmena - And I can't tell you how happy I am to be receiving you reviews again. I know that it seemed the logical choice, Legolas coming to the rescue of the poor helpless human, but I strive to do the totally illogical. *grins* As for the tree aspect, I'm very glad you found it so enjoyable. I wanted very much to show that of them. After all, Legolas had been living in Mirkwood for thousands of years, and with his relationship with living things (one of the things I've always loved about Tolkien's dear character) I figured that they would love him as much as he loved them. And I hope you can forgive me for the short chapter once again. *cringes* I really do try.

Estel Elven Enchantress - No problem, babe. I didn't even expect to get as many votes as I did. It was a pleasant surprise to tell you the truth. I hope you're happy with the outcome.

Laebeth - *cringes* Yes, much with the shortness. I'll try really really hard to write longer chapters. Starting after this one.

silvertoekee - Yes, angst is good. *grins* Why do I torture him so? Why? Eh, at least you enjoyed it. That makes me feel a little better abut my twisted mind. :P

Deana - To be honest... I'm really not sure yet. lol. I have a vague idea, but that's about it. Tells you how great of an author I am huh? *laughs*

Sara - I love 'window shopping' and finding that one great fic that you've passed over a thousand times, but then absolutely love when you finally get to it. Not that I'm saying that my story falls in that category. I was just saying... wow that sounded conceited. *blushes* lol. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed it, and yes, I also wish to know why so many people torture the poor little elf.

SilverKnight7 - Okay!

Starlit Hope - Yes, I'm sure it does.

lembas7 - Well thank you. Always glad to be considered a 'favorite'. I hope you find me worthy. And for your questions... It is the year 2958. Read my other story to find out. I'm not sure yet (and I agree on the orc thing so we can both rule that out). Maybe.

Beth - Of course I'll be giving you one... :P

cherryfaerie - Thank you, yes, and read the author's not above.

wadeva - Be anxious no longer my dear.

mystic23 - Sorry. Didn't mean to freak you out. Glad you liked it though.

Slea - Well okay then, here you are.

twinlady - Thank you!

tonianne - Thank you and okay.

Immortal Sadness - Thank you and I will.

Meeeeeeee - Well, I don't normally comply with demands. But since you said please...

Mykaela - I hope so too. Thank you for your wonderful review. I'm glad to be able to give anything 'new' to the amazing works of Tolkien.

LegolasLover2003 - Okay, I get it. Hands, yes, poor hands. lol. And you know me and cliffies. I just love 'em!

MG87 - Hands you a few more chill pills. You know, you're really depleting my supply here. :P But no worries, I will survive for the late update, please don't feel guilty. By the way, what does your name stand for? I've always wondered, but kept forgetting to ask.

" Leaves of Glass "

** Chapter 2 - Whispers **

Legolas' scream echoed through the dark forest and the trees trembled at the sound. Strider cringed but did not back away, or release the prince's hands. Blood had already started to flow in earnest from the now open wounds. He immediately started to bind them with the strips from his shirt.

Legolas opened his eyes as the echo fell away. His deep, tear filled eyes focused on the top of Strider's head and he immediately tried to pull away, his back hitting the bloodstained tree, a muffled cry escaping his lips as he pulled his wounded hands from Strider's grasp.

"Legolas, daro. Le harn. Dâfo nin buio le." Strider said softly, reaching again for the elf's wounded hands. His eyes came up to meet those of the prince and his heart broke at the fear in them. ("... , stop. You're wounded. Let me help you.")

At the sound of his own tongue being spoken by this Man, Legolas stilled, and his pain-riddled mind allowed him to remember. Estel. This is Estel.

"I car-sen o le?" Strider asked, keeping to the elven words. He grasped the prince's hands in his own and began to wrap them again. ("Who did this to you?")

Legolas watched him as he worked. He cringed when he pulled the knots tight but did not cry out again. "Edain." He whispered after a long moment, his voice tinged with hatred and... blame.

"Humans!" Strider exclaimed, pulling away from the prince in shock. "Humans would dare to attack one of the Firstborn?"

A shadow passed over Legolas' eyes and he laughed without mirth. "You are sheltered, child." He said, pulling his now wrapped hands back to his body, cradling them against his chest. He sat up slowly. "This is not the first time it has happened. And it won't be the last."

Strider backed up as the elf stood. Even without the use of his hands he stood gracefully, moving to his knees then rising slowly. His bright eyes looked down at Strider, passing over him as if assessing what he saw, stopping at his hands which were now covered in his blood. Then he turned and started towards the edge of the clearing, heading farther into the dark forest.

"Wait!" Strider shouted, scrambling to his feet and cutting off the retreating elf's path. "You can't go in there." He said, blocking the prince from moving around him. Legolas just stared at him with eyes that spoke of years the young human could never hope to understand. He moved to pass him again. Strider blocked him again.

Legolas' eyes, which a moment before had held appreciation if not a little contempt, were now full of anger. He would not allow this human brat to deny him his way in his own forest. "Rinc." He demanded, his tone sharp, challenging. ("Move.")

Strider held firm under the cold gaze and harsh words. He knew what he was doing was right. "The forest is dangerous." He tried again. "You cannot-"

"This is my kingdom!" Legolas snapped, his eyes flashing. Then he stepped around Strider and marched on.

But the brash young human would not give up so easily. He spun around and once again blocked the prince's path. Legolas growled at him and tried to side-step him again, but Strider put a hand on each of his arms, holding him in place.

"You have lost too much blood." He said slowly, weighing each word before he let it pass his mouth. "You are weakened. And with your injuries you cannot fight off an attack. Please. Come back to my camp, let me heal you. Then you will be in no danger."

Legolas backed away from Strider's hands but did not try to leave. "I do not need help from a human." He seethed, his eyes conveying emotions Strider knew he meant not to show. "This is my kingdom, my home. I am safe here."

Strider reached out and pulled his wounded hands, still held tightly against his chest, before him. "U band far." He whispered. ("Not safe enough.")

Legolas did not pull away from him this time. He stared down at his bleeding hands, wrapped in strips of Strider's own tunic. He tried to flex his fingers but a sudden jolt of pain, like lighting crashing through a tree, raced up his arms and coursed through his body. It took every ounce of his strength and pride to keep from crying out.

But Strider saw the pain flash across his porcelain features for the briefest of moments. "You cannot even grasp a weapon, that of which I don't even see. You cannot make it back to your home alone."

"I-"

"Don't think of it as seeking aide from a Human, but a fellow warrior." Strider said, cutting off his reply. He ignored the small scoff that escaped the prince's lips.

"Please." The human said again, his voice tinged with the slightest hint of desperation as he looked into Legolas' timeless eyes. "Let me help you."

A war raged behind the elf's eyes as he stared down at his ruined hands. Blood was already seeping through the bindings, leaving small points of bright red throughout the brown cloth and the pain from the wounds was spreading outwards, taking over his entire being. His knees felt as if they would fail should he move and even now he swayed on his feet and his vision spun, threatening to send him into darkness once again.

The trees trembled above him, offering their protection, calling him back to them. But they were dark now; not as they had been long ages past, and their branches were filled with evil things. Spiders roamed the ancient wood, attacking where they would for the great creatures feared no one. And orcs wandered the forests as well, though they did not stay long nor stray too far; they feared the trees.

But what frightened the prince of Mirkwood was the only other thing of evil that dared enter the dark woods. Humans.

A shudder passed through his body as he stared at his hands. They had not left him there to die. No, if they had wished him dead he would be.

'They will come back for you.' A voice whispered through his mind. 'You will not escape again.'

Legolas gasped and pulled his hands back, clutching them to his chest again. He turned away from the Ranger, starring out into the dark forest; his whole body felt as if he were trapped in a bog, it's thick, murky waters surrounding him and pulling them into its depths. "I am not weak." He said, his voice barely above a whisper. The trees shook again.

Strider stared at the prince's back. He could see a slight tremble beneath the thin cloth of his tunic. "Istos, nin caun." The young human said softly. "I did not say you were. Under normal circumstances I have no doubt that you are a true warrior. But you cannot protect yourself with these injuries." ("I know, my prince.")

Legolas turned back slowly, his eyes meeting the Rangers.

He saw the world of Men in his eyes. The deceit and betrayal and ruthlessness that seem to cloud each mortal mind. The innate ability to disregard all life simply for their own gain. The greed and hatred and callousness that had caused him so much pain.

But he saw something more as well, something deeper, something that was truly a part of him. Something he had never understood. It was something kind. Gentle. Honest. Familiar.

'He will hurt you.' The voice whispered again. Strider extended his hands once again in a gesture of peace, waiting for the elf's answer. But no answer came.

"Estel..." The immortal whispered. Then the prince's dark eyes rolled to the back of his head and he slumped to the ground in an ungraceful heap, the whispered words echoing in his head.

To Be Continued...

See, I'm a little anal when it comes to writing my stories. I like to have at least two chapters written before I post a new one for you guys. The amount I have finished now? Nothing. Not one single word after what you just read. And I'm freaking out. Now, no worries, you WILL get your update exactly when promised, I just need to go threaten my muses for a while. They'll come around once I reason with them. I hope.

*panicking ensues*

Until next time!

Adrienne

P.S. I apologize in earnest for the shortness of it. I will try extra-super-hard to make the next one significantly longer. *marches off to have a chat with my muses*