I left a cliffie for over 2 weeks. How evil am I? Actually it's my computer's fault. It now dies whenever it wants to, then returns to life. Damn thing...

And by the way, thanks for pointing out my mistake about Legolas' eyes. I meant that he blinked and rubbed his eyes sleepily if you know what I mean. I will correct it soon but I thought that you might want this chapter first...

Reviewer Responses:

Mrs. Ekeena Greenleaf: We try to be original. Although my coauthor has forgot about me again...

Elven-Star-of-Gold: Thanks for pointing out that mistake although he was kind of healing...think I could stretch that to fit? Sorry, we can't wipe out the entire castle. It would kill the story if you get my drift.

Hot elf babe: Thanks for your interest. Elves tend to sleep with their eyes open unless injured. He was healing so we tried to make it work. Guess it didn't. My stories are listed under my pen name galadriel evenstar.

Zammy, Maria, and OSparrow: Thanks for the reviews. They always mean a lot.

D.K. Blackwater: We'd betray our kin for Elves any day.

Yavie Aelinel: Review, precious then we'll toss cookies. Yes cookies, my love.

Pixie-person: We try to update but if you want to blame anyone... points finger at teachers, who shrug

Allthatjazz1: Sorry, we had to make you wait but that's the beauty of cliffhangers.

Riva van Dyk: ge- Jeez, I think the cliffies are irritating the reviewers
L19- I think so too
Ge- what should we do?
L19- Run!
Both sprint off as a crowd of reviewers chases after them.

Kept-Secret: A LP CD is a Linkin Park CD. My coauthor is obsessed with them.

EverKitsune: Torture, ahh how we love and worship that word.

Gil-dae: Did you hear that? We're good at cliffies. Lets out sinister laugh

Teha: The thing about high heels just scares me.

Disclaimer: See Chapter 5

Ok, onto the surprise...

Nin Estel (My Hope) Part 12

Sitting in the middle of the package's wrappings, Legolas saw a smooth silver band, which he immediately knew to be mithril. There was also a set of shackles and a long chain. The band had a small loop on it and was quite large yet light when he picked it up to examine it.

"It is all made of mithril, light yet strong." Aragorn said quietly, as he watched Legolas examine his restraints.

Legolas said nothing as he felt the restraints and looked them over, as if they were priceless artworks and not the soon to be cause of his shame.

Aragorn sat down on a chair as Legolas came over to him, bearing the package. He placed it in Aragorn's lap then stood in front of him, waiting. Aragorn hesitated, he didn't think he could do this; chain up a creature so beautiful. Then his mind reminded him of the other things that could happen to the elf and he set himself to his task.

He took strips of soft leather and wrapped them around Legolas' ankles. He then locked the shackles over them, the leather protecting the fair skin. He then did the same for the collar, and with one swift motion clasped it around Legolas' neck. He turned the key and dropped it into his pocket.

Tears came to his eyes as he looked at Legolas. He was a sore sight. The clothes were old and baggy on his thin frame, and the collar and shackles marked him for ridicule as did the point ears and stringy hair. His eyes looked as though all life had been snuffed out, but Aragorn knew that his proud spirit endured somewhere deep down, hidden by the emotionless mask his face bore.

Aragorn clipped the chain to the loop on the collar and with a murmur led them out the door.

In the Dining Room...

"Aragorn!" his father called out. "I am glad to see you, son. My trip to Osgiliath was dull, but I attended all the business that was called for. Come, join me."

Aragorn strode across the room, yanking the chain as he went. He sat down on the right of his father and with a muttered "sit on the floor" to Legolas, engaged in conversation with his father.

"I see that you have already started working with your design. How is it performing?" Arathorn pressed.

"I am not sure yet father. The elf kindly obliged to wearing them though." They both let out a hearty laugh at this and Aragorn continued. "The smiths did an excellent job. I have no worries of him escaping especially when I hold his leash."

Arathorn's gaze glanced over Legolas. "Does he speak common-tongue?" asked Arathorn.

"A little," said Aragorn. "but not enough to understand anything. It doesn't matter. He is a slave. He only needs to know how to do my bidding which I am having fun teaching him how to do. I will also require the room near to my room to have a door that I can lock from my room, ensuring that he doesn't go anywhere."

Arathorn smiled, "It will be attended to this afternoon. I shall also have more sets of your design made for your usage and a set of wall shackles shall be welded to a wall."

Aragorn bowed his head. "Thank you, father."

Arathorn clapped his hands. "I am glad that you are finally taking an interest in more manly matters. Now let's eat."

Servants brought trays out and set them in front of the people at the table. Aragorn ate quickly and as soon as his father dismissed him, Aragorn took off with Legolas in tow for the courtyard. Legolas walked behind with his head down, fixing his gaze to the marble tiles.

Aragorn pulled on his leash and he trotted a little more quickly. Aragorn found refuge behind a tree. He pulled a napkin from his pocket that had fruit and cheese in it, which Legolas gobbled down.

Aragorn spoke in a hushed rapid tone, "We now must return to my chambers. My father shall be there and I must treat you harshly. I apologize in advance. Let us be off."

They returned to Aragorn's chambers to find Arathorn lounging on a chair watching a craftsman put the door into the wall. In the next room, two more craftsmen worked.

Arathorn rose to greet Aragorn as they entered. "Ahh, there you are and you've brought your slave as well. I don't believe we were properly introduced. I am Arathorn, King of Gondor and father of your master. What is your name?"

Aragorn yanked the chain. "Answer him." He growled.

"My name is Legolas, sir." Legolas said keeping his voice even.

"Good, you have taught him some manners at least." Arathorn said content for the moment. "What do you plan to do with your toy this afternoon, Aragorn?"

Aragorn thought a moment, and then a malicious smile crept across his face. "I shall introduce my slave his stable duties."

Arathorn grinned like a child at Christmas. "He can do the work for mine as well, if it so pleases you. In fact, he could clean the entire barn."

Aragorn contemplated this then spoke. "I shall see how much he learns and how well he obeys. That will determine his workload."

Arathorn headed out the door with his craftsmen in tow. "You will be a great king someday, Aragorn."

Oh dear. That was an interesting chapter. I wonder what the barn work will include? Until next time, galadriel evenstar

Oh look, no cliffy! That's amazing! Hehe, sorry, and since none of you really know what an LP (Linkin Park) CD is, you can have a cookie! Now review! - Shiny button......