Disclaimer:

No copyright infringement intended, I own nothing. Still…

Rating:

R – to be safe.

A/N: Eeep! Sorry about late update! Reviewers, please see bottom of chapter once again! Thank you!

CHAPTER NINE

The sound of distant thunder echoed and the rain plummeted angrily from the skies. The night seemed endless as it dragged onwards, dark and foreboding.
The door to the candle bright room opened with a gentle creak as Elrond stepped into his study. At that exact moment, Elrohir bolted to his feet from where he had been seated. Aragorn immediately stepped forward, having been engrossed in a debate with Elladan. The elder twin was standing with his arms folded, seemingly defensive. However, as each of them turned to face Elrond, all three suddenly looked like guilty children.

Elrond said nothing as he crossed the distance from the door to his desk, his graceful steps painfully slow. The twins exchanged nervous glances, whereas Aragorn's gaze was fixed upon the elf lord. Elrond's expression was impassive, a mask concealing unreadable emotions. Slowly he stopped in front of the desk, folding his hands calmly before him as he stared intensely at each of them. Aragorn found he could not hold that stare and soon dropped his eyes, just like the twins.

Elrond shook his head and stepped toward Elladan, gently lifting his son's head to better inspect the dark bruise on his jaw. Elladan met his father's gaze for a brief moment but Elrond remained unreadable. He then stepped over to Elrohir, doing the same, only this time a slight frown tugged his brow as he observed the younger twin's discolouration, which was far more extensive than Elladan's, particularly his nose. Elrond arched an eyebrow, awaiting an explanation.

Elrohir bowed his head, "I…"

"It was my fault." Aragorn interjected.

Elrond averted his attention and gazed quietly at Aragorn. The man dropped his eyes and continued.

"I think that perhaps I…approached the matter in the wrong way."

"Do you now?" Elrond asked, with an edge of sarcasm.

"Estel is not to blame, father." Elladan cut in, "Legolas was…frightened."

"Enraged." Elrohir corrected, earning a fierce glance from Elladan.

Elrond looked to each of his children, eyebrows still arched in silent question. Aragorn gritted his teeth before speaking up once more.

"How is he?"

Elrond looked to Aragorn, "Secure."

"Are you sure?" Elladan asked, anxious.

Elrond smiled slightly as he glanced at his eldest, "I am sure."

Elrohir frowned, wondering what it was his father had done to secure Legolas, who had seemed ready to bolt at the slightest movement or offer of consolation by the end of their disastrous tactic. Perhaps I should not want to know. The twin shifted uncomfortably.

Aragorn breathed a sigh, "I am sorry we did not tell you."

"I've no doubt." Elrond feigned surprise.

"Adar," Elladan interrupted, "What is wrong with Legolas?"

"After your extreme exertions with the young Prince, you do not know yourselves?"

The trio had the grace to look sheepish and each one shifted nervously.

"No." Aragorn murmured.

"That is a shame." Elrond replied, "For I was hoping that you would enlighten me."

"What?" the twin's blurted in unison.

Aragorn blinked, "He did not tell you?"

"I can hardly say that Legolas was in the disposition to speak, Estel."

"Will he ever speak of it?" Elladan asked quietly, his brow furrowed.

Elrond fixed his son with a gaze, "That is not your place, or mine, to decide."

Aragorn's gaze narrowed and he glanced sidelong at the door.
I cannot accept that....

Legolas stared at his reflection in the large mirror, eyes tracing every detail of his appearance. His gaze came to rest upon the bruise forming on his face from where Elrohir had struck him. And rightly so, he reminded himself, tilting his head slightly. He locked eyes with himself in a fierce stare.

You are no elf!

The echo of Aragorn's words caused him to briefly close his eyes, the fresh wave of hurt no less painful than the last. He knew that Aragorn had not meant those words, but it did not ease the sting that had caused them to be so effective. Perhaps it hurt him more, because he had considered those exact words, over and over even ere his friend had said them.

Turning away from the mirror he stared across the room at the bed where Elrond had led him without protest, sat him down, and helped him to regulate his breathing before soothing him like a father would a son.
He had felt burning humiliation at his lack of self-control, but Elrond had said nothing of it, uncaring it seemed of his status as Prince or his need for proper decorum. The elf lord had not questioned him, had not probed him or forced answers from him. He had just stayed with him until he had scraped together enough composure to just sit still without shaking. The memory caused Legolas to frown and he stared down at the floor, thinking of his own father...

Adar...what would you think of me now?

A knock to the door disrupted his thoughts and he turned his head, expecting Elrond to enter. However, he did not expect Aragorn to guilty step into the room, eyes as wide as a loyal pet seeking forgiveness.
Forgiveness...
Legolas nodded when the ranger paused, wordlessly asking for permission to enter further. Relieved, Aragorn closed the door behind him, and much to Legolas' surprise, was alone. Meeting his friend's eyes Aragorn shook his head.

"Aranna nín…saes." The words were soft and his eyes spoke of an imploring want far more than forgiveness.

Legolas blinked as if to clear his mind and shook his head weakly.

"Aranna le?" he whispered, more to himself.

"Yes, forgive me."

Legolas frowned slightly, though he did not meet Aragorn's eyes. It almost appeared as if the elf did not understand this simply request.

"Agor im naeth le?" the archer asked, the frown still darkening his features as if he were desperately trying to remember something.

"No." Aragorn replied, "You did not hurt me, Legolas. Though I am sure that I hurt you."

Indeed.

Waving a hand, Legolas dismissed the words, "It does not matter."

"Of course it matters." Aragorn replied, remembering to keep his tone in check, "You are my friend."

Sparing a glance at Aragorn the elf smiled very slightly, but it was gone too soon and he sighed.

"I have now attacked three whom I care for. Perhaps I am a poor friend, Aragorn."

The guilt that had twisted in Aragorn's heart seemed to pain more keenly at those words.

"Nay Legolas, though I do not understand some of what you have done. Even so, I too, have acted foolishly." He paused, "Why are you not angry with me?"

Legolas turned his eyes away, "I wish I were."

Aragorn smiled at that and took a step forward, "You know I did not mean what I said…I did not know how to get you to speak of what happened."

"Is that why you are here?" Legolas asked suddenly, his voice small and far away.

"Would it hurt you greatly, if I said yes?" The ranger murmured.

A pause. "Where are the twins?"

"I believe it would pain you." Aragorn answered his own question, "They are with my father."

"Are they hurt?"

"No more than they were then you first attacked them, no." Aragorn smiled, trying to add a lilt of humour to his tone. A feeble attemptl

Legolas ignored this and stepped toward the window, gazing out at the rain. He did not speak.

There is nothing more to say...

Aragorn stepped toward him, hestitant to speak…he did not wish to hurt Legolas further. He had hated the way his friend had stared at him with hurt and disbelief, he did not wish for that gaze again.

"Ten enni tulu le, Legolas, saes." He whispered, tilting his head. He tried so hard to catch the elf's eyes.

Legolas denied him the connection of meeting his gaze and lifted his head, staring out at the rain before a soft reply left his lips, "Avo, Estel…Saes…"

Few words were spoken when the elf prince finally bade Rivendell farewell. Formality, it seemed, was all that coloured the departure.
Elladan and Elrohir stood side by side, their eyes hiding a depth of sadness that Aragorn knew was mirrored in his own. Even as he stared up at the elven prince, he was no longer so sure he recognised the elf.
The appearance, though a shell of Legolas, masked a different soul…or perhaps a distorted one, misshapen by an event never spoken of in the time he had spent there.
Don't, Estel...please...
After those few words Legolas had spoken to Aragorn, he had said nothing more to his friend of the matter. It was noted that Legolas had kept a great distance from Elrond and avoided being alone with Aragorn as often as he could, which hurt both himself and the ranger more deeply than either dared show…But not even Elrond had probed the young prince, his reasons he kept guarded, even when the twins stared at him with pleading eyes. When called for breakfast or dinner, little was said, and little was eaten. Conversation was pleasant, but short. Legolas learnt to force a smile that he had used ever since.

At night, he would retire to insomnia, counting the days he had left...but now that day had come and he was to return to Mirkwood….alone.
Though the thought terrified him, he clung to his pride and nodded his farewells to his friends.
He did not meet Aragorn's eyes as he turned the steed and rode away from the safety of Rivendell, head high.

It was only when he was out of sight that he allowed his eyes to drift shut and his head to drop.

Elladan leaned back against the wall, watching as Aragorn paced up and down Elrond's study. Elrohir had seated himself once again and was staring at the ranger's feet.

"Saes, you should sit down, Estel." Elladan advised.

Aragorn paused, swept a hand back through his hair, and continued his pacing. He only paused again when the door opened and Elrond stepped into his study. The elf lord blinked before turning toward the trio, he had not expected them. Elrohir rose from his seat and took his usual place beside Elladan. Aragorn turned toward Elrond, hair a dishevelled mess from having run his hands through it too many times. Elrond arched an eyebrow at them in question.

Aragorn was the first to speak, "He was not ready to go…"

Elrond dropped his eyes for a moment. A moment only, ere he lifted them once more.

"Legolas is not a child, Aragorn. He is also not a prisoner here and I shall not keep him against his will."

"He is in no state to ride out there alone!" The man argued, forgetting his tone of voice, to which Elrond tilted his head back and raised both eyebrows.

"What Estel means to say, adar," Elladan smoothly cut in, "is that one of us should have gone with him."

"Is that what you mean to say, Estel?" Elrond asked, directing his gaze back toward the young man.

Aragorn nodded, having grace enough to look guilty. Elrond sighed and touched long fingers to his forehead for a moment ere he rounded the desk to face his three sons.

"Adar, surely you must have some idea as to what happened to Legolas." Elrohir asked, shifting a step forward, "He did not resist your help."

"Nay, he did not. Though he was hardly in the position to deny it." Elrond replied, looking to the younger twin, "Though it pains me to see the young Prince in such turmoil, to have kept him here against his will would have been both foolish and immoral."

"He is in pain…" Aragorn spoke once more, "He cannot carry that burden alone."

Elrond turned toward Aragorn, "No, perhaps not. But it is not your choice to lift it from him."

"I do not accept that." The ranger shook his head, "He is my friend."

"And as his friend, you must understand that Legolas must want your help ere he accepts it."

"Then he wanted your help, father?" Aragorn replied, meeting Elrond's eyes, "He accepted yours without question, without hesitation."

Elladan's voice was soft to mollify the tension, "He is in denial of what happened, or at least he is refusing to acknowledge some part of it."

"I agree." Aragorn nodded.

"Yet it is not your place to remind him, Estel." Elrond's voice resonated in the room, a voice that ensnared respect and echoed authority, "Some things, one must face alone."

"You would have him face it alone? How can you-"

"Aragorn!" Elladan hissed between his teeth in warning to his young brother.

Elrond did not seem offended by this remark and instead a sadness seemed to linger in those dark eyes.

"I would have helped Legolas, but I cannot do so ere he helps himself. But to answer your question, Estel, nay, I would not have anyone face such a thing alone." The elf lord replied, "Which is why I do not expect to see either one of you at dinner tonight."

"What?" once again, the twins never failed to speak at the same moment.

Aragorn blinked, lips parted slightly in surprise, "I...I do not understand."

Elrond arched an eyebrow at this, "I highly doubt that, Estel. I would tell you to mind both your words and your actions and to be careful." With that said, the elf lord turned and walked toward the door.

"Adar!"

Elrond paused and turned his head.

"Why?" Aragorn asked, eyes wide.

Elrond dropped his eyes for a moment, a haunting sadness lingering there. How would the three of them ever understand his reasons? Though it was true that he knew Legolas well and that he cared for the young elf, his other reason was one they would not understand...and it would pain the twins to remind them. Elladan's eyes narrowed slightly as he noticed the strange sorrow that touched his father and he was about to step forward when Elrond spoke.

"Tread lightly."

And then he was gone, the question, unanswered.

Night descended swiftly. Too swiftly for the elf's liking as he rode onward, driving his horse far too harshly through the woodland pass. It was only after the poor creature slowed, did Legolas realise his error and he slipped from the saddle after drawing the steed to a halt. Touching a hand to the horse's head he sighed wearily.

"Aranna enni…mellon nín." The elf whispered, a sad smile touching his lips when the horse nuzzled his palm in forgiveness.

Looking around, the elf led the horse away from the main pass and into a small clearing. Here he felt a cold shiver tingle his spine. Was that fear? Hating the feeling, Legolas gazed around the woodland, sharp eyes discerning shadow from tree. Lifting his eyes, he stared up into the branches of a huge oak, one a mortal would find difficult to climb, save perhaps Aragorn.

Aragorn...

With memory of his friend, Legolas sighed, trying to forget the stares of concern and the desperate attempts to make him laugh. Though it was the sadness in Aragorn's eyes, the sadness that belied his acceptance of Legolas' behaviour…
The elf knew that the ranger did not understand why he would not speak of it, and that it hurt the man.
Yet if he knew...
The sound of a branch snapping jerked Legolas to his senses and he wheeled around, elven blade whipped from its scabbard behind his head. A rabbit darted past his feet, scampering off into the darkening forest.
Fool...
With a sigh of frustration, Legolas sheathed the blade and gripping the lowest branch of the tree, he deftly climbed up into its branches until he was a good few feet above the ground. He let his gaze sweep the clearing ere he settled against the trunk. Resting his head back, he stared up at the sky, watching as the moon brightened.

Body rigid with tension, the elf fought sleep as it threatened to draw him away from the world….though he found he could not fight it. His body begged for it, he had denied it too many times. As his eyes grew vacant, sleep enfolded him in her arms.

He did not hear the second snap of a twig beneath him, or see the man that passed below.

Aragorn drew the steed to a halt as he stared ahead at the woodland pass. Elladan and Elrohir levelled their horses alongside him, both eyeing the trail.

"Night is upon us far more swiftly this eve." Elladan commented as he lifted his eyes.

"So it would appear." Aragorn replied, "Let us not tarry, come!"

With those words, the three continued on their path, following Legolas' trail. Riding alongside Estel, Elladan shot a glance across at his twin, who seemed strangely quiet. Elrohir had said little since Legolas' departure and even ere the prince had left. It was strange for his brother to act thus. Discreetly holding his horse back a few paces, the elder twin cut in between Aragorn and Elrohir.

The young twin turned his head slightly as his brother drew alongside him.

"What ails you?" Elladan asked, keeping pace.

"You know what ails me, Elladan." Elrohir sighed, glancing away.

"What troubles us all no doubt? Yet you have been strangely quiet."

It appeared as though the elf shrugged, but Elladan was uncertain whether it was the gallop of the horse or an intentional roll of the shoulders.

"I keep thinking of the wound to Legolas' neck." Elrohir explained, eyes fixed on the forest ahead, "It disconcerts me."

"You are not alone in that, Elrohir." Aragorn replied, turning to glance over at his brother, slowing his horse as his brothers did the same.

"What would have done that? Or who? They were human teeth."

"Or elf." Aragorn replied with a frown.

Elladan shook his head, "I doubt elf."

"I agree," Elrohir muttered, "Though there is a foreboding thought as to how that happened, am I the only one who does not wish to acknowledge it?"

"Nay Elrohir, you are not the only one." Elladan sighed.

"Can we not speak of this, please?" Aragorn beseeched, turning his eyes away, gritting his teeth.

Elladan spared a glance at his human brother, "I understand your discomfort, though we should begin to consider what happened for ourselves."

"Why?" Aragorn snapped, "It is better if we do not speak of it until we are certain."

Elladan drew his head back in shock at the sharp reply. The younger twin eyed his human brother carefully.

"You are hoping that Legolas will clarify it for you?" Elrohir enquired, leaning forward to glance at Aragorn, "I doubt that-"

"Farn!" Aragorn snapped. At their shocked glances, he softened. "Saes."

"As you wish," Elladan replied, shooting his twin a glare to silence him.

"Let us not linger then," Elrohir replied, conceding for the sake of peace, "for if Legolas is not thinking clearly then we must make haste. He is vulnerable in his state of distress."

Legolas bolted awake, sharp eyes scanning the darkness. He straightened against the trunk of the tree, straining to hear.
Silence.
All was quiet, save for the habitual nightlife as he slipped down from the branches. The moment his feet touched the ground, his eyes widened as he stared at the spot where his horse had been.

Had been.

Glancing around the woodland he desperately searched for any sign of the mare and even whistled softly ere calling her name.

Silence.

Legolas reached for his blades, drawing one of them out as he took a quiet step forward, eyes still searching the woodland. The darkness closed around him, weaving its foreboding essence tauntingly. The shiver that tingled up his spine also kindled anger, anger at the helplessness, the memory of it. With a final glance at the woodland he began to walk, moving silently, deftly. No longer trusting his own instincts and blaming them on his extreme and uncharacteristic nervousness, he sped on into the forest, once and a while stopping to search for signs of his horse.

An ill feeling had long ago crept upon him and with his horse's disappearance, he found himself glancing too often over his shoulder.

Do not be a fool. It is over.

He pressed on into the darkness, glancing at the sky to calculate the hours of darkness that would still haunt him. Then he heard it. Snapping his around, Legolas froze, listening. Again it sounded…a sharp whinny. Drawing his other blade, Legolas crept toward the sound, keeping as close to the trees as possible. He came to another clearing and found that all concern for stealth abandoned him.
Oh Elbereth...
His eyes widened in shock and horror.
No...

He took a step back. Unable to bolt, unable to do anything but stare...

"Valar…" he whispered in shock, his senses dulled to all but what he saw before him.

Then it hit him.

He pitched forward, twisted and sank to the earth, crying out. Kneeling there, he found himself dazed as he tried to register what had happened. His fingers trailed to the source of pain, brushed against the fletching of an arrow.

Struck by an orc. He blinked in shock. A Prince, an archer.

Despite his predicament, some part of himself would have laughed in bitter cynicism at the irony. Mirkwood's finest archer, now kneeling with an arrow protruding from his side. He attempted to rise but the world swayed beneath him as his body began to betray him…fear, strengthened by the weight of elven grief.
Am I…fading?
Panic shook him, every part of him. Both panic and memory….then reason sought to save him.

Tis the orc poison...tis not your mind!

He forced his mind to function, though all that penetrated the haze was a voice thick with menace. A voice that caused nausea and fear to lodge in his throat .

It was no orc.

Valar no.

A thick boot imbedded in his stomach, kicking him onto his back.

"Did you honestly think I wouldn't find you?"

Staring up at the dark figure, Legolas closed his eyes in misery.

I will always find you, Elf.

[cue music!] Sorry it was late! Please review!

Sindarin Elvish Translations
Aranna nín…saes – Forgive me…please.
Aranna le? – Forgive you?
Agor Im naeth Le? – Did I hurt you?
Ten enni tulu le, Legolas, saes – Let me help you, Legolas, please
Avo Estel…saes – Don't Estel…please.
Adar – Father
Aranna enni…mellon nín – Forgive me…my friend
Avo, Estel – Don't, Estel
Saes – Please

Reviewers!:

Irish Anor – [runs from a now hyper Legolas] lol! Thank you so much for your last review! It brought a smile to my face! Oh you lucky thing! Out in the wild, camping! [pouts] if only I could indulge in such a thing, but England weather can be quite unpredictable! I hope that you had a great time, mellon nin! (considering you have returned when you read this lol!!)

Deana – Hello Dena! Thank you for your e-mail! I apologise for my late reply! Also, thank you again for such a lovely review! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Snow-Glory – Mae govannen! (well met) I hope that you are well! Thanks so much for your review, Snow-Glory. To answer your question, no I haven't changed that much with this story, just things here and there. [evil laughter] ah yes, Legolas angst still to come, my dear!

Stephanie – Heya Stephanie! Thank you so much for your review! I'm glad that you enjoyed the last chapter! Thank you for taking the time to tell me your thoughts! It's always great to have such great feedback! Thank you again!

Tmelange – Thanks for your review Tmelange! I'm glad Legolas' angst is believable and that you're enjoying the development of the story as it comes along in its dribbly updates lol! Thanks again!

IMTrinity – [smiles] Hannon le Mellon nin for your encouraging review! I'm most relieved that you enjoyed the last chapter! I was a little uncertain how that would turn out after some editing. I shall catch you next post! Hannon le again!

Ghemstone – Hello again my dear Ghemstone! [smiles] Hannon le Meldir (friend) for your lovely review! I'm overjoyed that you liked the last chapter! I was worried about how much to change or add in the re-write of it. Indeed you are right! It shouldhave been Thranduil comforting Legolas at that point sends Thranduil off to Ghemstone for a slap As always, your reviews offer me so much encouragement, my friend so thank you for your wonderful support – it truly does mean so much to me! Hannon le!

Jade – Hello Jade! [smiles!] Aaaw, thank you so much for your review! It's great that you are enjoying the story! I hope that you continue to do so as the rest of it gets posted up! Sorry that the update is a little late!

Ashaselle – Hello my dear! I'm sooo sorry this is late! Of course, it is great to hear that you are enjoying it ! Thank you so much for reviewing for me! To answer your question there are 18 chapters in total, however I might condense them and make them longer or hopefully post two chapters at a time. I'm so sorry for the wait! Thank you so much again!

LOTRFaith – Mae govannen! Thanks for your review to chapter 7 and to answer your question, I am re-posting this chapter because I changed a few things here and there in it – not much, just a few touch-ups! Hope you are well! Hannon le again!

Sophie – Hello again Sophie! Thank you so much for your review! Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so glad that you are enjoying this story. Yes, Legolas is certainly not going about the whole thing in the healthiest of ways. But then, where would our elf angst be? [evil laughter]!

Melwa Elena – Hello there! Another lovely name! Thanks for your review and here is that next chapter a little late I know [sheepish smile] sorry about that! I hope you enjoyed it!

Kitty – Hello Kitty! [smiles] I'm glad that you're hooked! Lol! As it were [grins]. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me your thoughts and lovely feedback! I'll try my best to get the updates up as quick as I can for you. I'm flattered that you are planning to read the sequel. Hannon le! (thank you!)

Again, if I have missed anyone out, PLEASE let me know! Thank you!