Finally here is Chapter 21! I am very sorry for the delay. I had a bit of
social trouble here at school.which resulted in me becoming sick.and well,
the rest is history, but I took my vacation to heart and relaxed and
finished off this chapter. I just have a huge THANK YOU to Jay for being
my beta reader and dealing with the barrier of my Americanese as compared
to that good English ;) Read on and tell me what you think (
Arabiasil - Thanks again for the review! I think sometimes some fics make Legolas more than perfect and I like him better with a few flaws, it makes him more likeable. As for the Mirkwood elves.eventually I'm sure there will be a peace, but where would I get my tension from? ;)
Waterfall - Thank you so much for all your reviews! Wow! I'm blown away! Thanks for all the encouraging comments. I contemplated having Aragorn take a turn for the worse, we'll see. I'm not quite sure where the next chapter is going.but I'm sure you'll find out soon!
Estelcontar - Thanks for the kind words. I really did imagine Cressen first a girl, but with the nature of the close relationship I wanted to have he and Aragorn share, I figured it was better if he was a boy. Besides, I am quite unsure of whether there were female Rangers.maybe I should catch up with my Tolkein lore ;)
Gwyndolen Rhionne - Here is another chapter for you ( Hope you like it!
Lasse-Lanta - Thanks for encouraging me about the titles of the chapters, that is something I decided to stick to when people told me they like it ( Now that I've passed a midterm and gotten past the boy issues.things should be smoother
Arabella Thorne - Thanks for the encouragement. I don't think any friendship is without its bumps and bruises as I have discovered these past few weeks. I know it can all be repaired though.
Annakas - Hope you enjoy Legolas' POV of the situation and how deeply they get in with the elves ;)
Legolas could not shake the feeling of confusion as he stared, perplexed, at the Ranger beside him. Aragorn was indeed unreadable. Just when the elf was sure that he had figured out exactly what the Ranger was thinking, the man was apt to change entirely. This caused the elf prince to want to take Aragorn by the ear and teach him a lesson as would be done with any petulant elf child. But Aragorn was no child and he was also most certainly not an elf, despite the way he had been raised. Legolas had to quell his rising frustration. No matter how kind the man, the irritation still remained. Aragorn had seemingly beat him once again at a game Legolas had not even been aware that they were playing. It was very much something Elladan and Elrohir would do. Aragorn even managed to distract him to the point where Aragorn was the first to realize that they were upon Thranduil's gates.
Legolas turned on his friend, seeing a pleased look on the Ranger's face, obviously only pleased with his own antics. He wanted to be reproachful and beat the man at his own game, but Aragorn would not allow any further breach in friendship.
"I pray we are in your good hands, my friend." Aragorn's voice, soft as it was, carried a great weight in it. Legolas realized for the first time how worried Aragorn really was, despite the calm façade that he put up. Legolas purposefully caught Aragorn's eye, wishing more than anything else to put his friend at ease.
"You have my word son of Arathorn," Legolas whispered, leaning forward and close to Aragorn. He spoke in nearly a whisper so that no other would hear the words that passed and he smiled to convince Aragorn. When Aragorn smiled encouragingly back and nodded stiffly in ease of his wounds, Legolas felt strangely relieved. He was glad that Aragorn trusted him. Legolas knew now he would have to turn his attention from the Rangers to his own people. Havad and Shalen had fallen back to ride next to Aragorn and the following Rangers had all seemed to grow very close to each other. Despite the difficulty, Legolas noted that Aragorn took care to sit straight up in his saddle, hand resting unobtrusively near his side. Any smart elf or man would know that he needed precious few moments to remove the sword that was there.
There were many archers waiting at the gate for them and they looked uncertain at first, but when they turned their gaze on Legolas, the elf prince readily felt not only their affection, but their trust and absolute loyalty. They would do whatever Legolas bid them. The Rangers soon stopped their horses not too far from the tense elves. Legolas was now certain that word of the altercation in the wood had long since gone before them. He rode forward, out of the company of Rangers, and stopped a few feet from Leresian, the elf in charge of the gate.
"My Lord," the elf bowed deeply, his hand brushing the ground. He was a trusted friend of Legolas' and the prince nodded his head in recognition.
"Hello Leresian, I bid you open the gate so that I may pass. I bring with me a company of Rangers." Legolas said the words slowly, waiting for the reaction he was bound to receive. He could sense, more than see, Aragorn tense in his seat. The elves did not have their bows at the ready, but Legolas could see them watching the Rangers intently. The air was thick with an unseen tension.
"Aye, my Lord, we have been informed of your arrival. Your father awaits you in the festival hall. He left sincere word that you join him immediately with the Rangers as soon as you have arrived," the elf spoke clearly, but Legolas knew that there was more. There had been too much hesitation.
"Very well, open the gates then. It is good to be back in Mirkwood."
"My Lord, there is something more." Leresian spoke in a way that made Legolas believe that his friend did not wish to stir up trouble.
"What is it?" Legolas asked, startled slightly as he turned to find Aragorn had ridden to his side, unchecked by the elves, who seemed to hold a healthy fear of the imposing Ranger.
"King Thranduil bids that the Rangers leave their weapons in the care of the guard, for he commands that no Man shall carry his weapon in the boundaries of the King's palace." The elf stepped back, as if expecting the reprove that was no doubt coming.
Legolas hesitated, unsure of what he should say. Certainly Aragorn would put up a fight, there was no way the Ranger would hand over the sword he carried, let alone the bow on his back. However, he could not go against his father's command. The wise elf turned to look at Aragorn, who sat completely still in Evaria's saddle. Whatever decision the elf came to would make or break part of the relationship that the elves had with the brave Rangers, who did more for Mirkwood than many an elf ever did. But beyond even that he feared the damage this could do to his new friendship.
"Strider?" Legolas turned to the stoic heir of Isildur who seemed to be staring off into the woods. Legolas could tell that his elves were alarmed and surprised that Legolas had turned to the Ranger, whom they clearly thought to be below their Prince. Aragorn's alert gray eyes turned quickly to rest on Legolas. The prince fought an urge to turn away from the clear depths that screamed of nobility and betrayed the injustice of the situation. Legolas waited patiently as he watched the Ranger's jaw twitch as Aragorn fought to find the right words to say.
"Prince," Aragorn started slowly and Legolas felt as if he should recoil from the sound of the formal title rolling off Aragorn's own noble tongue. Still, he held the Ranger's gaze. "My men will do as you bid, but their swords will be relinquished not to your guards, but to me, and I will leave them with my horse in the stables. However, Anundril will not leave my side. Narsil never left Elendil's side until one fateful moment, and it was when Elendil had breathed his last. I will not make that mistake. These are my terms. Accepted or not, the King has long allowed me to enter his presence with more than my sword on my person. I will remind him of that if need be." Aragorn's voice was strong and clear and it held a tone that Legolas had only heard once before, when the Ranger had defended Cressen from the elves a few hours before. The words were precise, but they were not demanding, and they were not degrading or inappropriate for the leader of the Rangers of the North to speak to the Prince of Mirkwood. Legolas was amazed at Aragorn's ability to alter his personality so easily. Seeing that there would be no arguing with Aragorn, even the elven guards had seemed to relax. They were most likely more afraid of Aragorn than his men, but there was also the chance that they had seen the Ranger before in Mirkwood, and known him to be trustworthy.
"And you give your word that you will respect your own honor while you are within my father's borders?" Legolas asked the question more to show his warriors that he was in no way betraying them or placing his father in any danger.
"I do, my Lord," Aragorn was careful to use the term of respect in front of Legolas' warriors. Legolas watched as Aragorn, without another word, reined Evaria around with his good hand and bid in the common tongue that his men give him their swords. Legolas could not tear his sight from the men who trustingly handed over their beloved swords, bows, and knives to their captain without even a look of doubt or anger.
"My Prince, your father awaits," Leresian reminded gently, and Legolas nodded to him. He started towards the gate as it was pulled open by the elves. He glanced over his shoulder to see the Rangers follow in a single line, each watching keenly. Soon enough, Legolas led them to the royal stables where the Rangers dismounted, Havad and Cressen immediately at Aragorn's side to help their leader down. Legolas watched in concern as a wave of dizziness passed over Aragorn. He gasped in pain as he jostled his broken arm and the Rangers looked on in worry as he was steadied.
"He needs to see the healers," Cressen turned in urgency to Legolas. There was fear in the young boy's eyes and Legolas could not help but feel his heart wrench. He was more than worried about Aragorn. Clearly the show of stubbornness at the gate had taken its toll on the Ranger.
"Hush, Cressen. I will be fine in a moment. Thranduil awaits and he will not be kept waiting, the Prince knows this. We must attend the King first," Aragorn said, strength and command still evident in his voice.
"Strider, you should see the healers immediately, your men are correct," Legolas started to speak, moving close to his friend, but Aragorn waved him back as he pushed Lancen away.
"Legolas, you know as well as I that we may not even be allowed to remain within the confines of the palace. Your father must rule. By now he has heard of what happened in the wood and he will have words to say. I will not put my men in any danger for my own well being. I will have to plead our case to the King, I suspect, and he will not be happy until I do."
Legolas stood and stared at Aragorn for a moment. His friend spoke with wisdom, but more importantly, truth. Aragorn knew the workings of elven society and Legolas had not thought past arriving safely to his home. Surely, Thranduil would accept Aragorn here, but his men may cause some sort of problem, especially if Cressen had been identified. No doubt, Aragorn was right. Legolas had been so worried about his friend that he had bypassed the thought.
"Yes, you're right. Come, we should go to him quickly."
Legolas turned from the Rangers and led them out, knowing that they were unhappy with Aragorn's decision. They followed Aragorn at a slight distance, showing the respect they owed their leader in a place where eyes were undoubtedly watching for any sign of something out of place. Aragorn, for his part, walked respectfully a few feet back, and to Legolas' right, to show that he knew who had superiority in that place.
Soon enough they had entered into the festival hall where Thranduil was meeting with the elders of Mirkwood. Both parties froze in place and Legolas waited to be summoned. His father stood and motioned for both him and the Rangers to enter. Legolas could plainly see the relief in his father's eyes. Thranduil was glad to see his son. His face became wary as the King took in not only Aragorn, but also the Rangers that trailed behind him. Legolas could only imagine that they made quite a sight, certainly dirty, dishevelled, and even bloody from the battle.
Legolas turned slightly to give his friend a reassuring smile and Aragorn smiled back as the prince of Mirkwood realized that once again, Aragorn had changed. Next to him no longer stood a dirty, tired, and gravely hurt Ranger, but instead there stood a stately young man, likened to his ancestors, worthy of the title of elven prince, but better yet, he looked as if he could ascend the throne of Gondor in a leap. His eyes betrayed wisdom and calm, and above all, he seemed equal in every way to even the King of Mirkwood at that very moment.
Legolas turned back to his father, his awe showing in his eyes and it was not unobserved by Thranduil, who chose to ignore it for a moment and drew his youngest son into a hearty embrace.
"It is good to have you home my son," Thranduil hesitated a moment, his voice growing almost thick, "We had thought that you - that you had forever gone from us. I must know how you were able to escape. Lord Elrond sent only a short message to tell us that you lived and were safe in Rivendell."
"Father, I too am glad to be home, more glad to see you than I could ever tell you. I will indeed tell you how I escaped. I was given complete aid by Strider, Ranger of the North, and he has escorted me back here," Legolas said the words slowly, turning to smile once again at Aragorn. Aragorn nodded in respect to Legolas, then did his best to bow in respect to Thranduil. His men were quick to help him to stand again as he shook them off. Thranduil looked troubled at this and Legolas felt anger creep into his mind, but he pushed it away. Surely he could make his father understand that the Rangers were of no threat.
"Always outsiders with you," Thranduil said quietly to Legolas, but it was not harsh. He turned once again to Aragorn, looking strangely tired and untrusting of the man. "Estel, it has not been that many days since you last passed through my gates, yet you are always seeking trouble, no? Ah, do not become upset young Ranger. I owe you many thanks. For that, I am in your debt."
Arabiasil - Thanks again for the review! I think sometimes some fics make Legolas more than perfect and I like him better with a few flaws, it makes him more likeable. As for the Mirkwood elves.eventually I'm sure there will be a peace, but where would I get my tension from? ;)
Waterfall - Thank you so much for all your reviews! Wow! I'm blown away! Thanks for all the encouraging comments. I contemplated having Aragorn take a turn for the worse, we'll see. I'm not quite sure where the next chapter is going.but I'm sure you'll find out soon!
Estelcontar - Thanks for the kind words. I really did imagine Cressen first a girl, but with the nature of the close relationship I wanted to have he and Aragorn share, I figured it was better if he was a boy. Besides, I am quite unsure of whether there were female Rangers.maybe I should catch up with my Tolkein lore ;)
Gwyndolen Rhionne - Here is another chapter for you ( Hope you like it!
Lasse-Lanta - Thanks for encouraging me about the titles of the chapters, that is something I decided to stick to when people told me they like it ( Now that I've passed a midterm and gotten past the boy issues.things should be smoother
Arabella Thorne - Thanks for the encouragement. I don't think any friendship is without its bumps and bruises as I have discovered these past few weeks. I know it can all be repaired though.
Annakas - Hope you enjoy Legolas' POV of the situation and how deeply they get in with the elves ;)
Legolas could not shake the feeling of confusion as he stared, perplexed, at the Ranger beside him. Aragorn was indeed unreadable. Just when the elf was sure that he had figured out exactly what the Ranger was thinking, the man was apt to change entirely. This caused the elf prince to want to take Aragorn by the ear and teach him a lesson as would be done with any petulant elf child. But Aragorn was no child and he was also most certainly not an elf, despite the way he had been raised. Legolas had to quell his rising frustration. No matter how kind the man, the irritation still remained. Aragorn had seemingly beat him once again at a game Legolas had not even been aware that they were playing. It was very much something Elladan and Elrohir would do. Aragorn even managed to distract him to the point where Aragorn was the first to realize that they were upon Thranduil's gates.
Legolas turned on his friend, seeing a pleased look on the Ranger's face, obviously only pleased with his own antics. He wanted to be reproachful and beat the man at his own game, but Aragorn would not allow any further breach in friendship.
"I pray we are in your good hands, my friend." Aragorn's voice, soft as it was, carried a great weight in it. Legolas realized for the first time how worried Aragorn really was, despite the calm façade that he put up. Legolas purposefully caught Aragorn's eye, wishing more than anything else to put his friend at ease.
"You have my word son of Arathorn," Legolas whispered, leaning forward and close to Aragorn. He spoke in nearly a whisper so that no other would hear the words that passed and he smiled to convince Aragorn. When Aragorn smiled encouragingly back and nodded stiffly in ease of his wounds, Legolas felt strangely relieved. He was glad that Aragorn trusted him. Legolas knew now he would have to turn his attention from the Rangers to his own people. Havad and Shalen had fallen back to ride next to Aragorn and the following Rangers had all seemed to grow very close to each other. Despite the difficulty, Legolas noted that Aragorn took care to sit straight up in his saddle, hand resting unobtrusively near his side. Any smart elf or man would know that he needed precious few moments to remove the sword that was there.
There were many archers waiting at the gate for them and they looked uncertain at first, but when they turned their gaze on Legolas, the elf prince readily felt not only their affection, but their trust and absolute loyalty. They would do whatever Legolas bid them. The Rangers soon stopped their horses not too far from the tense elves. Legolas was now certain that word of the altercation in the wood had long since gone before them. He rode forward, out of the company of Rangers, and stopped a few feet from Leresian, the elf in charge of the gate.
"My Lord," the elf bowed deeply, his hand brushing the ground. He was a trusted friend of Legolas' and the prince nodded his head in recognition.
"Hello Leresian, I bid you open the gate so that I may pass. I bring with me a company of Rangers." Legolas said the words slowly, waiting for the reaction he was bound to receive. He could sense, more than see, Aragorn tense in his seat. The elves did not have their bows at the ready, but Legolas could see them watching the Rangers intently. The air was thick with an unseen tension.
"Aye, my Lord, we have been informed of your arrival. Your father awaits you in the festival hall. He left sincere word that you join him immediately with the Rangers as soon as you have arrived," the elf spoke clearly, but Legolas knew that there was more. There had been too much hesitation.
"Very well, open the gates then. It is good to be back in Mirkwood."
"My Lord, there is something more." Leresian spoke in a way that made Legolas believe that his friend did not wish to stir up trouble.
"What is it?" Legolas asked, startled slightly as he turned to find Aragorn had ridden to his side, unchecked by the elves, who seemed to hold a healthy fear of the imposing Ranger.
"King Thranduil bids that the Rangers leave their weapons in the care of the guard, for he commands that no Man shall carry his weapon in the boundaries of the King's palace." The elf stepped back, as if expecting the reprove that was no doubt coming.
Legolas hesitated, unsure of what he should say. Certainly Aragorn would put up a fight, there was no way the Ranger would hand over the sword he carried, let alone the bow on his back. However, he could not go against his father's command. The wise elf turned to look at Aragorn, who sat completely still in Evaria's saddle. Whatever decision the elf came to would make or break part of the relationship that the elves had with the brave Rangers, who did more for Mirkwood than many an elf ever did. But beyond even that he feared the damage this could do to his new friendship.
"Strider?" Legolas turned to the stoic heir of Isildur who seemed to be staring off into the woods. Legolas could tell that his elves were alarmed and surprised that Legolas had turned to the Ranger, whom they clearly thought to be below their Prince. Aragorn's alert gray eyes turned quickly to rest on Legolas. The prince fought an urge to turn away from the clear depths that screamed of nobility and betrayed the injustice of the situation. Legolas waited patiently as he watched the Ranger's jaw twitch as Aragorn fought to find the right words to say.
"Prince," Aragorn started slowly and Legolas felt as if he should recoil from the sound of the formal title rolling off Aragorn's own noble tongue. Still, he held the Ranger's gaze. "My men will do as you bid, but their swords will be relinquished not to your guards, but to me, and I will leave them with my horse in the stables. However, Anundril will not leave my side. Narsil never left Elendil's side until one fateful moment, and it was when Elendil had breathed his last. I will not make that mistake. These are my terms. Accepted or not, the King has long allowed me to enter his presence with more than my sword on my person. I will remind him of that if need be." Aragorn's voice was strong and clear and it held a tone that Legolas had only heard once before, when the Ranger had defended Cressen from the elves a few hours before. The words were precise, but they were not demanding, and they were not degrading or inappropriate for the leader of the Rangers of the North to speak to the Prince of Mirkwood. Legolas was amazed at Aragorn's ability to alter his personality so easily. Seeing that there would be no arguing with Aragorn, even the elven guards had seemed to relax. They were most likely more afraid of Aragorn than his men, but there was also the chance that they had seen the Ranger before in Mirkwood, and known him to be trustworthy.
"And you give your word that you will respect your own honor while you are within my father's borders?" Legolas asked the question more to show his warriors that he was in no way betraying them or placing his father in any danger.
"I do, my Lord," Aragorn was careful to use the term of respect in front of Legolas' warriors. Legolas watched as Aragorn, without another word, reined Evaria around with his good hand and bid in the common tongue that his men give him their swords. Legolas could not tear his sight from the men who trustingly handed over their beloved swords, bows, and knives to their captain without even a look of doubt or anger.
"My Prince, your father awaits," Leresian reminded gently, and Legolas nodded to him. He started towards the gate as it was pulled open by the elves. He glanced over his shoulder to see the Rangers follow in a single line, each watching keenly. Soon enough, Legolas led them to the royal stables where the Rangers dismounted, Havad and Cressen immediately at Aragorn's side to help their leader down. Legolas watched in concern as a wave of dizziness passed over Aragorn. He gasped in pain as he jostled his broken arm and the Rangers looked on in worry as he was steadied.
"He needs to see the healers," Cressen turned in urgency to Legolas. There was fear in the young boy's eyes and Legolas could not help but feel his heart wrench. He was more than worried about Aragorn. Clearly the show of stubbornness at the gate had taken its toll on the Ranger.
"Hush, Cressen. I will be fine in a moment. Thranduil awaits and he will not be kept waiting, the Prince knows this. We must attend the King first," Aragorn said, strength and command still evident in his voice.
"Strider, you should see the healers immediately, your men are correct," Legolas started to speak, moving close to his friend, but Aragorn waved him back as he pushed Lancen away.
"Legolas, you know as well as I that we may not even be allowed to remain within the confines of the palace. Your father must rule. By now he has heard of what happened in the wood and he will have words to say. I will not put my men in any danger for my own well being. I will have to plead our case to the King, I suspect, and he will not be happy until I do."
Legolas stood and stared at Aragorn for a moment. His friend spoke with wisdom, but more importantly, truth. Aragorn knew the workings of elven society and Legolas had not thought past arriving safely to his home. Surely, Thranduil would accept Aragorn here, but his men may cause some sort of problem, especially if Cressen had been identified. No doubt, Aragorn was right. Legolas had been so worried about his friend that he had bypassed the thought.
"Yes, you're right. Come, we should go to him quickly."
Legolas turned from the Rangers and led them out, knowing that they were unhappy with Aragorn's decision. They followed Aragorn at a slight distance, showing the respect they owed their leader in a place where eyes were undoubtedly watching for any sign of something out of place. Aragorn, for his part, walked respectfully a few feet back, and to Legolas' right, to show that he knew who had superiority in that place.
Soon enough they had entered into the festival hall where Thranduil was meeting with the elders of Mirkwood. Both parties froze in place and Legolas waited to be summoned. His father stood and motioned for both him and the Rangers to enter. Legolas could plainly see the relief in his father's eyes. Thranduil was glad to see his son. His face became wary as the King took in not only Aragorn, but also the Rangers that trailed behind him. Legolas could only imagine that they made quite a sight, certainly dirty, dishevelled, and even bloody from the battle.
Legolas turned slightly to give his friend a reassuring smile and Aragorn smiled back as the prince of Mirkwood realized that once again, Aragorn had changed. Next to him no longer stood a dirty, tired, and gravely hurt Ranger, but instead there stood a stately young man, likened to his ancestors, worthy of the title of elven prince, but better yet, he looked as if he could ascend the throne of Gondor in a leap. His eyes betrayed wisdom and calm, and above all, he seemed equal in every way to even the King of Mirkwood at that very moment.
Legolas turned back to his father, his awe showing in his eyes and it was not unobserved by Thranduil, who chose to ignore it for a moment and drew his youngest son into a hearty embrace.
"It is good to have you home my son," Thranduil hesitated a moment, his voice growing almost thick, "We had thought that you - that you had forever gone from us. I must know how you were able to escape. Lord Elrond sent only a short message to tell us that you lived and were safe in Rivendell."
"Father, I too am glad to be home, more glad to see you than I could ever tell you. I will indeed tell you how I escaped. I was given complete aid by Strider, Ranger of the North, and he has escorted me back here," Legolas said the words slowly, turning to smile once again at Aragorn. Aragorn nodded in respect to Legolas, then did his best to bow in respect to Thranduil. His men were quick to help him to stand again as he shook them off. Thranduil looked troubled at this and Legolas felt anger creep into his mind, but he pushed it away. Surely he could make his father understand that the Rangers were of no threat.
"Always outsiders with you," Thranduil said quietly to Legolas, but it was not harsh. He turned once again to Aragorn, looking strangely tired and untrusting of the man. "Estel, it has not been that many days since you last passed through my gates, yet you are always seeking trouble, no? Ah, do not become upset young Ranger. I owe you many thanks. For that, I am in your debt."