Bright light shone through the window, dazzlingly white. The healer watched
as dust particles floated in the air, tumbling over each other, mesmerizing
in their own special way. A bird stood on the windowsill, and the sun cast
patterns on his downy feathered back. All was peaceful.
Movement from the bed suddenly caught the healer's eye, and he leant forwards anxiously in his chair. Legolas had turned his head to the side, and was shifting restlessly under the silk sheets. This was the first time since arriving in Rivendell, that he had shown any clear signs of life.
"Come back to me," whispered the healer. "Come on, Legolas, you have been in darkness for far too long. Please, come back."
............................................................................................................
A voice, gentle and soft, yet tinted with urgency, dimly penetrated the Elven Prince's senses. He could vaguely understand what was being said to him, but he resisted the urge to open his eyes. All he wanted was to be alone. For ever.
"Legolas, come back to me."
That voice was strangely familiar, and as the Prince lay there, he wondered who it was. He definitely recognized it, but couldn't for the life of him think who it could be. But then, an idea suddenly stuck, and he felt a thrill of happiness.
"Am I dead?" he asked in a low voice.
............................................................................................................
The healer's breath caught in his chest as he heard the words. Biting his lip, he leaned forwards and took one of the Prince's hands in his own. With his other hand, he reached out and laid it on Legolas' cheek.
"Open your eyes," he said quietly.
"I am dead," whispered Legolas. "I never imagined it would be like this."
"Look at me," said the healer, a little more firmly now.
Legolas made a soft noise of protest, but the calming voice seemed to take control of his body. He turned his head slightly to the other side, and even though his eyes remained shut, the sun was still painfully shining through them.
"Open your eyes," said the healer again. "I want you to look at me."
Motivated as if by some power that was not his own, Legolas did as he was told. There was a figure standing in front of him, though the sun shrouded him in blinding light. The Prince slowly raised one hand and shaded his eyes, whilst the stranger sat down on the edge of the bed, his face revealed.
Legolas drew in a sharp breath, and held it. He locked his own gaze onto the pale blue orbs in front of him, and slowly shook his head. This could not be real. It was impossible, just another twisted trick that Calaen had somehow managed to play. But how did he...?
"Will it never end?" whispered Legolas, grief flitting through his eyes. "The torturous mind games are going to go on and on; the pain will keep coming; and my heart will keep shattering."
"This is no mind game," said the fair haired Elf quietly.
"Calaen must have given me something, something to make me hallucinate. He wants me to... to see things, people who are not really there. He wants to..." Legolas broke off and shook his head. "No, you are not real."
The healer's eyes softened, but sadness was reflected in them. "Believe in me, Legolas. Believe that I am here, that I am real and whole, just like you. I swear that I am no hallucination, no trick of the mind."
Biting his lip, Legolas slowly raised a trembling hand, and rested it on the other Elf's cheek. Surprise danced across his face, for he had expected to feel nothing but air. Instead, he was touching pale, smooth skin. As he realized that this person was indeed real, the Prince began tracing the high cheekbones, trailing his fingers through the fair hair. His movements became more urgent then, desperation, hope, confusion, a maelstrom of emotions whirling inside him.
"You are real," Legolas managed to choke out, his eyes glistening. "Valar, what have I done to deserve you? You are back."
The healer reached forwards and gently pulled Legolas into a sitting position, all the while channelling strength into him. They locked eyes for a brief moment, the healer's gentle hands resting on the Prince's shoulders, then in unison, they moved towards each other and embraced. Tears fell from eyes of a deep blue and a pale blue; tears soaked into fair hair and golden hair.
"It has been so long, little brother," breathed the healer.
"I have heard you say those words many times before, but only in my dreams," whispered Legolas. "I never imagined that..."
"Yes, I know, I know," said the healer quietly.
Legolas closed his eyes tightly, and buried his face deep into the silky robes that the other Elf wore. He inhaled the fresh scent of pine tress, and old memories stirred in his mind, for the smell had not changed at all. The voice had remained the same: gentle, reassuring, yet able to command a whole army without being raised. It was no trick; no hallucination; no mind game. It was Airëlus.
"I am so sorry for not coming sooner," said the healer. "I did not know what your life had become, but understand that I am lucky to even be here now."
"What do you mean?" asked Legolas, still in disbelief.
"I mean that maybe if I had come back any sooner then you would not...your life would not have been so bad," replied Airëlus, absent-mindedly smoothing down his brother's hair. "I could've helped you when things got too hard."
"I don't understand what you mean," said Legolas.
Airëlus pulled away from the embrace, but still did not remove his hands. "No, I did not expect you to. It must've been such a shock, seeing me here. In fact, it probably still is. But I will explain how we have been re- united."
"But I know that," said Legolas, almost desperately. "You don't need to explain. All I want is to understand your words. Just tell me what you meant by not being here sooner."
"Well, there is only one meaning to that sentence," said Airëlus in confusion.
Legolas slowly shook his head, doubt clouding his eyes. "But I was the one who came to you. I was summoned by Manwë, and I answered that call, so you...you are not at fault."
Airëlus looked uncertainly at the Prince for a moment, before realization dawned, and he let out a deep sigh. Sadness flashed through his eyes, and as he gently pushed some golden hair from Legolas' cheek, a single tear fell.
"What is it?" asked Legolas quietly.
"You thought that you were dead, and that made you happy. You thought that you had joined me in the Halls of Mandos," whispered Airëlus. "Oh, Legolas, life still courses through you. I came back to Middle Earth. I came to you, not the other way around."
"But...no...I am not dead," breathed Legolas. "That is all I wanted, and...but how are you here? None of this makes sense."
"What happened to the Elf I once knew?" asked Airëlus sadly. "What happened to the joyful Elf who embraced life, and lived every day to the full?"
Legolas shook his head helplessly. "He disappeared a long time ago, longer than you can imagine. Of course I wanted death. Of course I wanted to just give up."
"And now?"
"I don't know," said Legolas slowly. "Things have changed, but I still do not know how. You have indeed returned, but at some point, I must face Adar. And what about Lord Elrond and the twins? They must all despise me now."
Airëlus sighed, and gently pulled his brother once more into an embrace. "Adar loves you as much as always; Elrond has been so worried about you, as have the twins."
"But they should blame me," whispered Legolas. "It is my fault."
"What is?" asked Airëlus softly.
"I did not mean to. If it were possible to turn back time, then I would," said Legolas in a low voice, staring unseeingly at the opposite wall. "I would gladly have given my life for him, but instead, I just took his."
"I know not of what you speak," said Airëlus.
Legolas bowed his head, letting it rest on his brother's strong shoulder. When next he spoke, his voice could only just be heard. "I was supposed to be Estel's friend, and now he has gone and I remain here. What kind of person am I?"
"You are a very confused one, but with a gentle and loving heart, which has been hurt in the one of the worst ways possible," replied Airëlus. "False tales were spun; malicious lies were told; and great hurt was caused. You believed what you were told, and that nearly proved fatal, though it was unknown to you."
"Do not try to make me feel better," muttered Legolas.
"I am not, for I know that it will take more than a few words of comfort to heal your heart," said Airëlus. "Wait here a moment."
Legolas pulled away from the embrace, and watched as his brother slipped off the bed and swiftly left the room. He absent-mindedly touched a hand to his abdomen. That was strange: he was still bandaged, but there was no pain, or very little.
"This is not happening," he said slowly. "I must be dreaming. Airëlus cannot be here, for it is...impossible. Valar, I must be going crazy."
The door suddenly swung back open, and none other than Aragorn, Elladan and Elrohir shot in, expressions of worry, joy and relief on their faces. Airëlus followed behind them, though at a much more stately pace. He concealed a smiled as he watched Aragorn sit on the side of the bed, and pull an amazed Legolas to him.
"Estel? But...but what are you doing here?" breathed the Elf. "I thought that..."
"They told me what Calaen made you believe, and I am so sorry that he put you through that," said Aragorn in a low voice. "He used me to hurt you, and he definitely succeeded."
"He said you were dead," whispered Legolas.
"I know, I know. But it is alright now," soothed Aragorn, though despite his calming voice, he felt anger rise once more as he thought of his friend's plight.
As Legolas relaxed in the safe and warm embrace, he looked over the Ranger's shoulder, and locked eyes with Elrohir. The Noldor Elf smiled and inclined his head, whilst his twin stepped forward and gently tapped Aragorn.
"Move out of the way, Estel. I want to sit down, and I'm sure Legolas would rather have me next to him at the moment. After all, you have not washed in how many days?" asked Elladan.
"Yes, you never smelt particularly pleasant in the first place, but now..." Elrohir made a face, and went to stand by the open window. "You are lucky that you have become immune to the scent."
Aragorn shot his brothers nasty looks, though he moved to let Elladan sit down. "Oh, be quiet, both of you. You can insult me as much as you desire. But at least I have my looks. I could say plenty about yours."
Elrohir narrowed his eyes and nudged Aragorn in the ribs. He made to throw another insult back to the Ranger, but abruptly closed his mouth at a sharp look from Elladan. He folded his arms across his chest, and watched as his twin turned back to Legolas.
"I'm sorry," muttered the Elven Prince, his eyes downcast. "If Calaen had done anything to Estel, then it would be my fault."
"There is no reason for you to be apologizing, especially to me," replied Elladan. "I could've helped you sooner, but because of my damned visions, I could not. It should be me asking you for forgiveness."
"Don't," said Legolas, more sharply than he had intended.
Airëlus flinched at the harsh tone of his brother's voice. So this was what Elrond had meant when he said that there had been a change in the Prince. Elrohir narrowed his eyes once more, though this time in sympathy. Aragorn said nothing, for he was used to this sort of treatment.
"We can leave if you wish to be alone," said Elladan.
"Don't," Legolas repeated, thought there was desperation and regret now in his voice. "Please, stay. I am sorry for speaking in such a way."
Elladan smiled, and lightly touched his friend's shoulder. "No matter. Of course we shall stay, providing our new chief healer allows it. Airëlus?"
"Well, although your company is much appreciated, I think it best that you do not stay for too long," replied the fair haired Elf. "I was hoping that our father might want to come up at some point."
"Valar, he doesn't know yet!" cried Elrohir, springing across to the door. "Elladan, move yourself. Leave poor Legolas alone."
"We will come to see you this evening," said the other twin, smiling at his friend, then rolling his eyes at his brother.
Legolas inclined his head, but it did not go un-noticed that his face had visibly paled, and worry was flashing through his eyes. Aragorn spoke quietly to Airëlus, and it was clearly arranged that he would also return later, for he left the room, giving the two re-untied brothers some more privacy.
"You are afraid of what Adar will say to you," remarked Airëlus. "There is no need to be. Legolas, we all know why you agreed to help Calaen. We all understand your reasons, and we do not blame you."
"I betrayed Adar," muttered Legolas.
Airëlus sighed, wondering how best to reply. There was no use him trying to reassure the other Elf that everything was alright, for his words would not be listened to, so instead of saying anything, he wrapped an arm around his brother's shoulders.
"You still have not explained how it is you are here," said Legolas distantly.
"All in good time," replied Airëlus.
Legolas tensed suddenly, and snapped his eyes up to meet his brother's. "Don't say that. Don't say that, Airëlus, please don't..."
"What is it?" asked the fair haired Elf in surprise.
"Whenever we wanted to know why we were being help captive, Calaen would always say that," replied Legolas, ending the sentence in a sigh. "The others had no idea why we were there. I should have told them."
Airëlus exhaled deeply, and rested his cheek on Legolas' head. "No, you did nothing wrong, so stop thinking like that. Look, ask me again how it is I am here."
"Alright, how is it that you are here?"
"I will tell you later," replied Airëlus, concealing a smile.
Legolas shook his head slightly. "Fair enough, have it your own way. But don't wait too long before telling me. You must agree that this is a far from normal occurrence, and I don't think I could stand being held in suspense for much longer."
Airëlus laughed, his eyes sparkling. "Hmm, patience was never one of your-
He was cut off suddenly as the door flew open. King Thranduil ran in, but paused as he saw his two sons. Relief swept over his face, but Legolas dropped his gaze to the ground, not feeling worthy of the one he thought he had betrayed.
"Airëlus, I don't suppose you could leave us for a while, could you?" asked Thranduil. "Not that I don't want you here, but..."
"Of course," said the other Elf, moving from the bed and across to the door. "Adar, I will be next door if you need me. Legolas, remember what I told you."
Thranduil arched an eyebrow at that, but said nothing. Instead, he slowly went across to the bed, and sat down beside it. Legolas bit down hard on his lip, and kept his eyes fixed on the bed covers. He plucked absent- mindedly at the sleeves of his night-tunic, and waited nervously for his father to speak.
............................................................................................................
Haldir's Heart and Soul: Yes, Thranduil will definitely find out about Aradan, as will Calaen. That will probably be in a few chapters.
Demonic Pyro Freak: Hee hee! Cos I'm evil!
Irish QT: Yeah, I think that The Lion King is cool as well! I love Disney films!
Legolas-gurl888: Oh, poor you! I hope that you are allowed to buy ROTK the day that it comes out. If it's any consolation, my friend isn't allowed to buy it until the half-term holiday next week, cos she's got exams this week. Poor her! I got mine today, and I'm so excited!
GollumGirl: Yes, I am a friendly person, or at least I hope I am! LOL. But yeah, I'm still evil!
Rachel13: Yeah, maybe Legolas does have a doll like that. I think that they are so annoying! They really freak me out. I mean, their eyes always seem to follow me where ever I go, and I used to have weird dreams about killer dolls! How odd!!!
eleanor rigbey: I guess its just cos of who I am as a person. I mean, there's so much that I want to do in my life, but because of where I was born, its gonna be so hard for me to do. Like acting for example. I wanna get into a good drama school but there's not many people from down my way who get far in the performing arts business, no matter how good they are :(
Yeah, no cliffie there either. Oh well, I guess that's another good thing. Yay, ROTK came out today! That's so cool! OK, I bet you are all wondering how Airëlus is back? Well, don't worry. It's all gonna be revealed soon. Luv Misto
Movement from the bed suddenly caught the healer's eye, and he leant forwards anxiously in his chair. Legolas had turned his head to the side, and was shifting restlessly under the silk sheets. This was the first time since arriving in Rivendell, that he had shown any clear signs of life.
"Come back to me," whispered the healer. "Come on, Legolas, you have been in darkness for far too long. Please, come back."
............................................................................................................
A voice, gentle and soft, yet tinted with urgency, dimly penetrated the Elven Prince's senses. He could vaguely understand what was being said to him, but he resisted the urge to open his eyes. All he wanted was to be alone. For ever.
"Legolas, come back to me."
That voice was strangely familiar, and as the Prince lay there, he wondered who it was. He definitely recognized it, but couldn't for the life of him think who it could be. But then, an idea suddenly stuck, and he felt a thrill of happiness.
"Am I dead?" he asked in a low voice.
............................................................................................................
The healer's breath caught in his chest as he heard the words. Biting his lip, he leaned forwards and took one of the Prince's hands in his own. With his other hand, he reached out and laid it on Legolas' cheek.
"Open your eyes," he said quietly.
"I am dead," whispered Legolas. "I never imagined it would be like this."
"Look at me," said the healer, a little more firmly now.
Legolas made a soft noise of protest, but the calming voice seemed to take control of his body. He turned his head slightly to the other side, and even though his eyes remained shut, the sun was still painfully shining through them.
"Open your eyes," said the healer again. "I want you to look at me."
Motivated as if by some power that was not his own, Legolas did as he was told. There was a figure standing in front of him, though the sun shrouded him in blinding light. The Prince slowly raised one hand and shaded his eyes, whilst the stranger sat down on the edge of the bed, his face revealed.
Legolas drew in a sharp breath, and held it. He locked his own gaze onto the pale blue orbs in front of him, and slowly shook his head. This could not be real. It was impossible, just another twisted trick that Calaen had somehow managed to play. But how did he...?
"Will it never end?" whispered Legolas, grief flitting through his eyes. "The torturous mind games are going to go on and on; the pain will keep coming; and my heart will keep shattering."
"This is no mind game," said the fair haired Elf quietly.
"Calaen must have given me something, something to make me hallucinate. He wants me to... to see things, people who are not really there. He wants to..." Legolas broke off and shook his head. "No, you are not real."
The healer's eyes softened, but sadness was reflected in them. "Believe in me, Legolas. Believe that I am here, that I am real and whole, just like you. I swear that I am no hallucination, no trick of the mind."
Biting his lip, Legolas slowly raised a trembling hand, and rested it on the other Elf's cheek. Surprise danced across his face, for he had expected to feel nothing but air. Instead, he was touching pale, smooth skin. As he realized that this person was indeed real, the Prince began tracing the high cheekbones, trailing his fingers through the fair hair. His movements became more urgent then, desperation, hope, confusion, a maelstrom of emotions whirling inside him.
"You are real," Legolas managed to choke out, his eyes glistening. "Valar, what have I done to deserve you? You are back."
The healer reached forwards and gently pulled Legolas into a sitting position, all the while channelling strength into him. They locked eyes for a brief moment, the healer's gentle hands resting on the Prince's shoulders, then in unison, they moved towards each other and embraced. Tears fell from eyes of a deep blue and a pale blue; tears soaked into fair hair and golden hair.
"It has been so long, little brother," breathed the healer.
"I have heard you say those words many times before, but only in my dreams," whispered Legolas. "I never imagined that..."
"Yes, I know, I know," said the healer quietly.
Legolas closed his eyes tightly, and buried his face deep into the silky robes that the other Elf wore. He inhaled the fresh scent of pine tress, and old memories stirred in his mind, for the smell had not changed at all. The voice had remained the same: gentle, reassuring, yet able to command a whole army without being raised. It was no trick; no hallucination; no mind game. It was Airëlus.
"I am so sorry for not coming sooner," said the healer. "I did not know what your life had become, but understand that I am lucky to even be here now."
"What do you mean?" asked Legolas, still in disbelief.
"I mean that maybe if I had come back any sooner then you would not...your life would not have been so bad," replied Airëlus, absent-mindedly smoothing down his brother's hair. "I could've helped you when things got too hard."
"I don't understand what you mean," said Legolas.
Airëlus pulled away from the embrace, but still did not remove his hands. "No, I did not expect you to. It must've been such a shock, seeing me here. In fact, it probably still is. But I will explain how we have been re- united."
"But I know that," said Legolas, almost desperately. "You don't need to explain. All I want is to understand your words. Just tell me what you meant by not being here sooner."
"Well, there is only one meaning to that sentence," said Airëlus in confusion.
Legolas slowly shook his head, doubt clouding his eyes. "But I was the one who came to you. I was summoned by Manwë, and I answered that call, so you...you are not at fault."
Airëlus looked uncertainly at the Prince for a moment, before realization dawned, and he let out a deep sigh. Sadness flashed through his eyes, and as he gently pushed some golden hair from Legolas' cheek, a single tear fell.
"What is it?" asked Legolas quietly.
"You thought that you were dead, and that made you happy. You thought that you had joined me in the Halls of Mandos," whispered Airëlus. "Oh, Legolas, life still courses through you. I came back to Middle Earth. I came to you, not the other way around."
"But...no...I am not dead," breathed Legolas. "That is all I wanted, and...but how are you here? None of this makes sense."
"What happened to the Elf I once knew?" asked Airëlus sadly. "What happened to the joyful Elf who embraced life, and lived every day to the full?"
Legolas shook his head helplessly. "He disappeared a long time ago, longer than you can imagine. Of course I wanted death. Of course I wanted to just give up."
"And now?"
"I don't know," said Legolas slowly. "Things have changed, but I still do not know how. You have indeed returned, but at some point, I must face Adar. And what about Lord Elrond and the twins? They must all despise me now."
Airëlus sighed, and gently pulled his brother once more into an embrace. "Adar loves you as much as always; Elrond has been so worried about you, as have the twins."
"But they should blame me," whispered Legolas. "It is my fault."
"What is?" asked Airëlus softly.
"I did not mean to. If it were possible to turn back time, then I would," said Legolas in a low voice, staring unseeingly at the opposite wall. "I would gladly have given my life for him, but instead, I just took his."
"I know not of what you speak," said Airëlus.
Legolas bowed his head, letting it rest on his brother's strong shoulder. When next he spoke, his voice could only just be heard. "I was supposed to be Estel's friend, and now he has gone and I remain here. What kind of person am I?"
"You are a very confused one, but with a gentle and loving heart, which has been hurt in the one of the worst ways possible," replied Airëlus. "False tales were spun; malicious lies were told; and great hurt was caused. You believed what you were told, and that nearly proved fatal, though it was unknown to you."
"Do not try to make me feel better," muttered Legolas.
"I am not, for I know that it will take more than a few words of comfort to heal your heart," said Airëlus. "Wait here a moment."
Legolas pulled away from the embrace, and watched as his brother slipped off the bed and swiftly left the room. He absent-mindedly touched a hand to his abdomen. That was strange: he was still bandaged, but there was no pain, or very little.
"This is not happening," he said slowly. "I must be dreaming. Airëlus cannot be here, for it is...impossible. Valar, I must be going crazy."
The door suddenly swung back open, and none other than Aragorn, Elladan and Elrohir shot in, expressions of worry, joy and relief on their faces. Airëlus followed behind them, though at a much more stately pace. He concealed a smiled as he watched Aragorn sit on the side of the bed, and pull an amazed Legolas to him.
"Estel? But...but what are you doing here?" breathed the Elf. "I thought that..."
"They told me what Calaen made you believe, and I am so sorry that he put you through that," said Aragorn in a low voice. "He used me to hurt you, and he definitely succeeded."
"He said you were dead," whispered Legolas.
"I know, I know. But it is alright now," soothed Aragorn, though despite his calming voice, he felt anger rise once more as he thought of his friend's plight.
As Legolas relaxed in the safe and warm embrace, he looked over the Ranger's shoulder, and locked eyes with Elrohir. The Noldor Elf smiled and inclined his head, whilst his twin stepped forward and gently tapped Aragorn.
"Move out of the way, Estel. I want to sit down, and I'm sure Legolas would rather have me next to him at the moment. After all, you have not washed in how many days?" asked Elladan.
"Yes, you never smelt particularly pleasant in the first place, but now..." Elrohir made a face, and went to stand by the open window. "You are lucky that you have become immune to the scent."
Aragorn shot his brothers nasty looks, though he moved to let Elladan sit down. "Oh, be quiet, both of you. You can insult me as much as you desire. But at least I have my looks. I could say plenty about yours."
Elrohir narrowed his eyes and nudged Aragorn in the ribs. He made to throw another insult back to the Ranger, but abruptly closed his mouth at a sharp look from Elladan. He folded his arms across his chest, and watched as his twin turned back to Legolas.
"I'm sorry," muttered the Elven Prince, his eyes downcast. "If Calaen had done anything to Estel, then it would be my fault."
"There is no reason for you to be apologizing, especially to me," replied Elladan. "I could've helped you sooner, but because of my damned visions, I could not. It should be me asking you for forgiveness."
"Don't," said Legolas, more sharply than he had intended.
Airëlus flinched at the harsh tone of his brother's voice. So this was what Elrond had meant when he said that there had been a change in the Prince. Elrohir narrowed his eyes once more, though this time in sympathy. Aragorn said nothing, for he was used to this sort of treatment.
"We can leave if you wish to be alone," said Elladan.
"Don't," Legolas repeated, thought there was desperation and regret now in his voice. "Please, stay. I am sorry for speaking in such a way."
Elladan smiled, and lightly touched his friend's shoulder. "No matter. Of course we shall stay, providing our new chief healer allows it. Airëlus?"
"Well, although your company is much appreciated, I think it best that you do not stay for too long," replied the fair haired Elf. "I was hoping that our father might want to come up at some point."
"Valar, he doesn't know yet!" cried Elrohir, springing across to the door. "Elladan, move yourself. Leave poor Legolas alone."
"We will come to see you this evening," said the other twin, smiling at his friend, then rolling his eyes at his brother.
Legolas inclined his head, but it did not go un-noticed that his face had visibly paled, and worry was flashing through his eyes. Aragorn spoke quietly to Airëlus, and it was clearly arranged that he would also return later, for he left the room, giving the two re-untied brothers some more privacy.
"You are afraid of what Adar will say to you," remarked Airëlus. "There is no need to be. Legolas, we all know why you agreed to help Calaen. We all understand your reasons, and we do not blame you."
"I betrayed Adar," muttered Legolas.
Airëlus sighed, wondering how best to reply. There was no use him trying to reassure the other Elf that everything was alright, for his words would not be listened to, so instead of saying anything, he wrapped an arm around his brother's shoulders.
"You still have not explained how it is you are here," said Legolas distantly.
"All in good time," replied Airëlus.
Legolas tensed suddenly, and snapped his eyes up to meet his brother's. "Don't say that. Don't say that, Airëlus, please don't..."
"What is it?" asked the fair haired Elf in surprise.
"Whenever we wanted to know why we were being help captive, Calaen would always say that," replied Legolas, ending the sentence in a sigh. "The others had no idea why we were there. I should have told them."
Airëlus exhaled deeply, and rested his cheek on Legolas' head. "No, you did nothing wrong, so stop thinking like that. Look, ask me again how it is I am here."
"Alright, how is it that you are here?"
"I will tell you later," replied Airëlus, concealing a smile.
Legolas shook his head slightly. "Fair enough, have it your own way. But don't wait too long before telling me. You must agree that this is a far from normal occurrence, and I don't think I could stand being held in suspense for much longer."
Airëlus laughed, his eyes sparkling. "Hmm, patience was never one of your-
He was cut off suddenly as the door flew open. King Thranduil ran in, but paused as he saw his two sons. Relief swept over his face, but Legolas dropped his gaze to the ground, not feeling worthy of the one he thought he had betrayed.
"Airëlus, I don't suppose you could leave us for a while, could you?" asked Thranduil. "Not that I don't want you here, but..."
"Of course," said the other Elf, moving from the bed and across to the door. "Adar, I will be next door if you need me. Legolas, remember what I told you."
Thranduil arched an eyebrow at that, but said nothing. Instead, he slowly went across to the bed, and sat down beside it. Legolas bit down hard on his lip, and kept his eyes fixed on the bed covers. He plucked absent- mindedly at the sleeves of his night-tunic, and waited nervously for his father to speak.
............................................................................................................
Haldir's Heart and Soul: Yes, Thranduil will definitely find out about Aradan, as will Calaen. That will probably be in a few chapters.
Demonic Pyro Freak: Hee hee! Cos I'm evil!
Irish QT: Yeah, I think that The Lion King is cool as well! I love Disney films!
Legolas-gurl888: Oh, poor you! I hope that you are allowed to buy ROTK the day that it comes out. If it's any consolation, my friend isn't allowed to buy it until the half-term holiday next week, cos she's got exams this week. Poor her! I got mine today, and I'm so excited!
GollumGirl: Yes, I am a friendly person, or at least I hope I am! LOL. But yeah, I'm still evil!
Rachel13: Yeah, maybe Legolas does have a doll like that. I think that they are so annoying! They really freak me out. I mean, their eyes always seem to follow me where ever I go, and I used to have weird dreams about killer dolls! How odd!!!
eleanor rigbey: I guess its just cos of who I am as a person. I mean, there's so much that I want to do in my life, but because of where I was born, its gonna be so hard for me to do. Like acting for example. I wanna get into a good drama school but there's not many people from down my way who get far in the performing arts business, no matter how good they are :(
Yeah, no cliffie there either. Oh well, I guess that's another good thing. Yay, ROTK came out today! That's so cool! OK, I bet you are all wondering how Airëlus is back? Well, don't worry. It's all gonna be revealed soon. Luv Misto