I know, it took a while guys. I'm worried I'm losing readers because of it. But guess what?? I'm updating from my own computer! I got online one day, went to ff.n ad suddenly I could log in! YAY! So more frequent updates hopefully.

Legolas

"We will return with Elven aid." Faramir clarified as I mounted Arod and he his own steed.

"As much as I can manage," I corrected him, pulling back on my horse's reigns to keep him steady. "But do not expect them to be pleased with your request."

"Well, they shall at least receive a warm welcome," Aragorn promised, stepping up next to Elwyn and wrapping an arm around her waist and her mother's. "I'll arrange a banquet of some fashion for when you arrive. Perhaps help reinforce some of the old alliances."

I nodded, glancing briefly at Elwyn who murmured: "Ëa varna." Be safe. I offered her a small nod, then spurred Arod forward, toward the road that led south and away from Minas Tirith, Faramir falling in step behind me.

* * * * *

We slept out in the open that night, my eyes never closing, as usual, and one hand resting firmly on my bow.

It only occurred to me then that I probably should have requested Gondorian escorts for us from Aragorn. Any attack and we could only defend ourselves against so many. Not to mention my limited supply of arrows.

I sighed and turned over on my side, my thoughts immediately drifting to my old friend's daughter. Nothing in all my years had ever struck me as confusing as she was. Whenever she was near me, I felt this uncontrollable pull toward her. Usually toward her lips, which would not do at all. I had resorted to avoiding her the past few days, which I knew she was well aware of.

I had considered seeking Aragorn's advice on the subject; more than once. But playing out every possible way the conversation could go, I knew the situation would simply bring up old memories of his relationship with Arwen and any protective fatherly instincts he might have on top of it all.

A rustle in the bushes just behind me was enough to startle me into alertness. I lifted my head, glancing to my right at Faramir, who still lay fast asleep. It was then I remembered how frustrated I had eventually grown with the other nine of the Fellowship during our journey when Boromir and Aragorn, and especially Gimli had been peacefully dozing during what I, with my heightened senses, saw as obvious dangers along the trip.

Sighing in vain at the Captain beside me and shaking my head, I reached first for my quiver, then realized I could barely see past our small fire in the dark, and its dwindling light did not provide nearly enough clarity to aim. I abandoned my bow and unsheathed the two long knives from my pack which lay to my right. Then I approached the bush slowly, feeling much like a predator stalking its prey.

I had just raised my left cutlass when whatever was behind the bush emerged from it. Needless to say, I had expected Orcs. However, what stood in front of me was a light-haired, rather flush faced male elf. One I knew as Arquen, a Mirkwood Elf originally, like myself and an old friend of my father's, now residing in Ithilien. I took a step back, startled, but rather relieved.

"My Lord," he greeted me, staring warily at the weapons I had let fall to my sides.

I set them down near my other effects. "Man nar lle kyar?" (What are you doing?) I demanded. "Hilyantlyen?" (You followed me?)

He led his horse over from behind him to the tree I had been leaning against before and began tying the reigns to it. "I was sent after you a few days ago."

My expression immediately became concerned. "Has something happened?" I insisted, resisting the urge to grab him by the shoulders and shake him. "Were you attacked? Is everyone alright?" Absently I realized how my panic for my people suddenly made me see just how much I was my father's son.

"There has been no attack since ere you left for Gondor, Your Highness," he assured me, tightening the knot he had made round the tree. "Your second-in-command grew curious of your prolonged visit with the King and sent me as messenger." He glanced briefly at Faramir, then turned back to me.

I sighed and nodded, plopping down beneath the tree again. "There was pressing business to attend to in Gondor," I explained, drawing my knees up to rest my arms on them.

"It affects Ithilien?" he prompted, staring down at me.

I paused, reluctant to continue. "King Elessar is planning a counter offensive against the Orcs," I finally told him.

"A counter offensive?" he echoed. "Gondor does not have the resources to launch that kind of a campaign."

I sighed and dropped my head into my hands. "That is why they are requesting Elf forces."

He did not speak for a prolonged amount of time and I could tell I had shocked him into silence. "And you plan to ask this of the colony?"

"I plan to order it if I must," I revealed. "We're already having trouble defending ourselves. And if things keep progressing the way they have been, this war will continue until we are all dead or we all sail. If we combine our forces with Men again, we can end it."

"I fear the colony will see it as nothing more than suicide."

"It is suicide only if we allow them to keep coming."

"Legolas," he began, lowering himself to the ground beside me. I did not bother to correct his usage of the improper title. "I've known you since you were an elfling. I know you mean well." He shook his head tiredly. "But this is folly. Gondor needs to grow accustomed to the fact that this is the Age of Men. Our time is over. The King will not be able to rely on the Elves much longer."

"So you suggest forgetting them?" I asked, almost angrily. "Sailing to Valinor and leaving Middle-earth to its own devices? To fight alone?"

"I suggest defending what's ours," he corrected me. "And letting Men defend what's theirs."

I sighed again and did not reply for fear that if I did, I would agree.

* * * * *

Next chapter starts to hint at where this is all going ppl, at least as far as Legolas and Elwyn are concerned! And I'm gonna post it at the same time.