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Chapter 46--Destiny's Path

Legolas was to startled to speak for a long moment. "Sail to the west?! But why?" he asked.

Thranduil sighed. "So much blood was shed in Mirkwood. So many lives were lost. It is hard to bear and most of our folk grieve deeply. Mirkwood is still beautiful, but it is stained with sorrow. The Havens offer peace and healing. Our people need that now," he said.

"I understand, ada, but…" Legolas began then hesitated.

Thranduil stood and gathered Legolas into his arms for an affectionate hug. "Ahh, little one. I am sorry. It was not right for me to put this burden on your shoulders so soon. You do not have to answer yet. Think about it, whatever your decision is remember that I love you," he said. He let Legolas go.

"I love you too, ada," Legolas whispered and retreated from the room. He found his way to a secluded spot in the gardens and sat down to think. He couldn't believe this had happened so suddenly. He didn't know what to do. He would miss his brother and father terribly, but did he want to sail to the west to Valinar yet? He didn't know.

Several hours later Legolas went to the dining room for dinner, still not any closer to a decision. He took his usual spot next to Qui as servants began to bring out food and wine.

Qui glanced worriedly at Legolas several times during the meal. He noticed the Elf wasn't really eating, just pushing his food around on his plate. He leaned closer to him. "You're supposed to eat, not rearrange it," he murmured.

Legolas managed a weak smile. "I am not very hungry I suppose," he said.

"Something troubles you. Do you wish to talk about it?" Qui asked.

"Thank you, Qui, but this is something that I must handle alone," Legolas said.

Qui nodded. "Remember that I am always here if you need me," he said.

When dinner was over Aragorn stood and gestured for silence. The room quieted. "I have an announcement. I have asked the Lady Arwen to be my Queen and she has accepted. We will be wed in three months time and I would be honored if all of you would attend," he said

Cheers and well wishes greeted the announcement. Slowly everyone left the room to go to their private business.

Legolas wandered down to the stable to see Silverheart. The mare whinnied in greeting when she spotted him. Legolas smiled and slipped into the stall. The mare nuzzled him affectionately. "I missed you too, girl. It is still early. Shall we go for a run?" he asked. He led the mare from her stall and swung onto her back and rode off into the deepening dusk. Once they left the city Legolas allowed the mare her head and she plunged into a run.

Legolas felt light hearted once again. He held on and whispered encouragement to the mare. He allowed the joy of the ride to banish everything else to the back off his mind.

Finally the mare slowed to a serene walk as they came to a small river. Legolas stopped the mare and slid off her back. Silverheart walked to the edge of the river and lowered her head to drink. Legolas knelt and drank as well.

Suddenly the mare's head came up, ears alertly forward. Legolas stood as well as he sensed something as well. "Who is there?" he demanded. There was no answer, but Legolas knew someone was lurking around. He moved quickly to Silverheart's side to mount. He fully intended to ride away as fast as she could go.

Two men stepped out of the shadows. One leaned heavily against the other. "Please help us. We were attacked by bandits and my friend is hurt," one pleaded.

Legolas's every nerve screamed at him to flee and he listened. He leaped onto Silverheart's back. Just as they moved away both men lunged at them.

Silverheart screamed in rage and reared up. Her horse smacked into one man's nose with a crack and he staggered back.

Legolas was confident of escaping until three more men emerged from the darkness. Legolas grabbed for his bow, wondering how the men had avoided being seen…

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Poor Elfling never seems to get a break! R/R please!!